LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) – Young athletes of all abilities hit the court on Friday, August 1, for the City of Laredo’s free Adaptive Basketball Camp, a program aimed at promoting inclusion through sports.
Hosted by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, the camp paired high school basketball players with children ages 8 to 17 who have disabilities. Together, they worked on basketball fundamentals including dribbling, ball-handling, and shooting — all in a fun, supportive environment.
Jennie Sanchez, special needs manager for the City of Laredo Parks & Recreation, said the camp is designed to adapt to the needs of each participant.
“We have kids with different needs in here who might need a little more time, a little more space, maybe protective ear equipment,” Sanchez said. “So this is a camp where anything goes. We adapt to whatever the kiddo needs.”
Sanchez also said the experience is just as valuable for the high school students, who are learning what it means to be inclusive and make room for all players on the court.
“It’s teaching them skills and humanity,” she said. “They are making us so proud. Our high school players are doing a great job.”
City officials say they are now working to expand their adaptive programming to include adults in future events.
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