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Special Needs basketball extravaganza

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Special Needs basketball extravaganza

People from all over the community came together to cheer on and show their support for the athletes of the Specialized Needs Recreation (SNR) program on Nov. 7th for the seventh annual Special Needs Basketball Extravaganza, held in NIC’s Christianson Gym.

NIC basketball member lifts a SNR player up for a slam dunk during the Special Needs Basketball Extravaganza. Photo by Catrina Martinson.

Corey Symons, the head coach of the men’s basketball team at NIC, spoke about how important this type of event is not only for the athletes at SNR, but also for the college and the community because it attracts  many people onto campus and they’re able to really join together to encourage the athletes.

“It’s a great event. We love doing it. It’s so fun for the community and us to come out and support the kids.” Symons said about the extravaganza.

At the beginning of the game the athletes ran out onto the court from a smoky tunnel while music blared and the crowd went wild. The excited looks on their faces as they heard their names called and the audience’s cheers really lit up the evening.

“This is their Super Bowl; they love it,” Symons said. “A lot of those kids dream of playing sports on a big stage with a big crowd and we kind of give them that.”

Attendees and players of the Basketball Extravaganza pose for a photo after the event. Photo by Catrina Martinson.

The entire athletics department, the college’s basketball teams especially, is instrumental in putting the event together. Many players from both the men’s and women’s basketball teams volunteer to help out at the games, cheering on the sidelines and yelling out tips.

Symons said he especially enjoyed getting to watch his players on the NIC basketball team interact with the SNR athletes, giving them high-fives and words of encouragement, lifting some athletes up so that they can dunk the ball, and dancing with everyone after the game.

Jarod Greene, a member of the men’s basketball team at NIC, volunteered to attend the game and said he had a great time playing with the SNR athletes and helping them get their moments in the spotlight.

“It puts a smile right on their faces, it’s a great warm feeling,” Greene said.

Coach Symons said he hopes that they’ll be able to make the event even bigger and better in the years to come.

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