ELLISVILLE, Miss. (WDAM) – Two Pine Belt institutions came together on Tuesday morning to share their love for basketball and talent on the court all for a great cause.
The University of Southern Mississippi men’s basketball team hosted a basketball camp for the Area 17 Special Olympics athletes at Ellisville State School.
The entire USM team, along with the coaching staff, were at the event.
“It’s been amazing,” said USM junior guard Robert Cowherd. “We’re just super grateful to be here. It’s a great establishment
“The workers, everyone who contributed, it’s amazing. I’m just happy to be here.”
Ellisville State School said USM’s basketball team reached out to the school to form this partnership.
USM’s team was able to lead the state school athletes on a series of dribbling, passing, shooting and other fundamentals drills.
The skills will be required by the state school athletes come February for the upcoming State Games at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi.
“We try to teach a lot more than just basketball on the floor, and I think it’s so important, especially with who the university is as an institution, but Ellisville State School is such a great institution as well,” said USM men’s basketball head coach Jay Ladner.
“So, we wanted to bring our players up and let them see how blessed they are and try to provide that blessing on to others.”
Those on the court appreciated their time on the court.
“It feels good to play ball with the Southern Miss guys today,” said Special Olympic athlete Adam Kelley.
Not only were the Golden Eagles helping the players sharpen their skills, but also offered lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship.
“It’s super important,” Cowherd said. “It’s super fun. I don’t even look at it as giving back. It’s enjoyable. I just love doing it.”
The men’s basketball team also donated 11 basketballs to the Ellisville State School during the camp.
“We are just glad for the collaboration today, just glad for USM to take out time to come to just mentor and be a part of what we do here at ESS,” said Shaunta Fairley, Area 17 Special Olympics director.
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