AWC holds special olympics basketball clinic

YUMA (KYMA) - Each year both Arizona Western College (AWC)  basketball teams host a clinic at the school gym for the special olympics athletes, an event where dozens participate, sharing their expertise on the court and  bringing joy to special olympics athletes.

Issac Alcala, a special olympics athlete said he learned a lot from this clinic, “you dribble and make a shot” and is looking forward to applying these skills himself.

The  basketball clinic brings those with special needs in Yuma  and AWC basketball players together, surprising each other with their talents on the court.

This was the case of Harria Mendoza, member of the women's basketball team

“They are amazing. I was playing 3 pointers with a little kid and he beat me. they are amazing they are really good”.

The ages of the special olympics athletes range from as young as 10 years to 30,  creating a unique environment for a game of ball, many participating for the second time.

Charles Harra, the men's basketball coach said this is an event that they look forward to

“it is easy to know them year to year, we have some players who were in the team last year and special olympics kids that were here last year so they remember each other”. 

At the end of the clinic, the special olympics athletes presented the awc basketball coach with a basketball autographed by all of them making it a memorable  event.