Photo by: Saint Mary's Athletics / Tod Fierner
Gaels Host Special Clinic for Athletes in the Community
11/5/2019 11:13:00 AM | General, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball
MORAGA, Calif. — Last week, the Saint Mary's men's and women's basketball teams hosted the Common Interest Management Services Special Olympics Northern California Clinic in McKeon Pavilion. The one-hour clinic was led by the coaches and players and over 60 athletes from Special Olympics attended the event.
Head Coaches Paul Thomas and Randy Bennett addressed the group at the beginning of the clinic and then the athletes rotated through various stations teaching the fundamentals of basketball. Afterwards, each athlete received a 2019-20 schedule poster and autographs from the Saint Mary's players and coaches.
"This clinic is one of our favorite days of the year," said Thomas. "Having a partnership with Special Olympics and welcoming their athletes into our gym is an honor for our program. The smiles on the faces of these athletes says it all during the clinic - it's a great day for everyone involved."
This is the sixth year in a row Saint Mary's has hosted the event. During halftime of the Gaels versus Omaha game on December 1st, two Special Olympic teams will play on the court at McKeon Pavilion.
"The enthusiasm and excitement from the athletes of the Special Olympics is a joy to be around," said Bennett. "Our program looks forward to hosting this event each year and is grateful for our relationship with the Special Olympics."
The Special Olympics Northern California provides sports training opportunities to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. More information about the organization can be found by clicking here.
The Gaels officially tip-off their season on Nov. 5 in South Dakota against Wisconsin at 6 p.m.
Head Coaches Paul Thomas and Randy Bennett addressed the group at the beginning of the clinic and then the athletes rotated through various stations teaching the fundamentals of basketball. Afterwards, each athlete received a 2019-20 schedule poster and autographs from the Saint Mary's players and coaches.
"This clinic is one of our favorite days of the year," said Thomas. "Having a partnership with Special Olympics and welcoming their athletes into our gym is an honor for our program. The smiles on the faces of these athletes says it all during the clinic - it's a great day for everyone involved."
This is the sixth year in a row Saint Mary's has hosted the event. During halftime of the Gaels versus Omaha game on December 1st, two Special Olympic teams will play on the court at McKeon Pavilion.
"The enthusiasm and excitement from the athletes of the Special Olympics is a joy to be around," said Bennett. "Our program looks forward to hosting this event each year and is grateful for our relationship with the Special Olympics."
The Special Olympics Northern California provides sports training opportunities to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. More information about the organization can be found by clicking here.
The Gaels officially tip-off their season on Nov. 5 in South Dakota against Wisconsin at 6 p.m.
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