TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) \u2014 Tift County High School held Legends Day on Wednesday, honoring students with disabilities by allowing them to play in a basketball game in front of their peers.<\/p>\n
The Blue team defeated the opposing squad 23-22 in the game organized by Tift County girls basketball coach Julie Connors and her staff.<\/p>\n
\u201cListen, this is one of my favorite days of the year. These kids have my heart,\u201d Connors said. \u201cIt started with a Legends game for football. Coach Dean did that several years ago and then whenever he left, Ms. Gibbs had the idea, hey, why don\u2019t we do a basketball game?\u201d<\/p>\n
Connors said she approached Ms. Gore with the idea, and Ms. Gibbs, Ms. Brown and Ms. Collins helped organize the event.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese kids love it. They are the greatest. They work hard every day and I am so proud of them,\u201d Connors said. \u201cY\u2019all got to see a glimpse of what we see every day. They are such an inspiration. They\u2019re so much fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
Students practice for weeks ahead of game<\/p>\n
Staff members said the students prepare extensively for the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have so much fun. I mean, this is what they do. They love sports. They love to get their energy out. They practice for this. They go home and talk about it,\u201d a staff member said. \u201cWe hear about it for weeks on the end. They\u2019re so excited about the basketball game.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event allows students with disabilities to participate in school activities alongside their peers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do it to be included. We do it because the kids want to be a part of our school. We want to be Blue Devils,\u201d a staff member said.<\/p>\n
Connors said the event may have identified future talent for the varsity program.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we\u2019re recruiting some basketball stars for the varsity team today. They did a great job. We\u2019re so proud,\u201d Connors said.<\/p>\n
Students showcased their skills throughout the game. Layton made multiple three-point shots, while Austin hit back-to-back three-pointers that helped secure the Blue team\u2019s victory. Evan also scored for the Blue squad.<\/p>\n
Current Tift County varsity players participated by facilitating the game, grabbing rebounds and passing to the Legends Day participants.<\/p>\n
After the game, students expressed enthusiasm about the event.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo much fun,\u201d one student said, adding that shooting was her favorite part of the game.<\/p>\n
Students ended the celebration with their team chant: \u201cGo Big Blue.\u201d<\/p>\n
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