EUGENE, Ore. – Saturday was a day chocked full of service opportunities for the NCU athletic department with over 35 athletes taking time to get into the community. The men’s and women’s basketball team hosted their third annual basketball clinic while a number of athletes helped out with some office renovations for the Foster and Adoptive Parent Association of Lane County (FAAPA).
Over 55 Special Olympians were on hand at the Morse Event Center for a basketball clinic which gave them the opportunity to work one-on-one with NCU players in an environment that maximized fun and excitement for the participants. The clinic included warm-up activities and basketball-specific work stations focusing on shooting, passing, free-throws, and ball handling. There was a free throw contest, with a very rowdy and energetic crowd, and both full-court and half-court game opportunities. Participation was at an all-time high, reaching nearly double that of last year’s event.
Head Coach Corey Anderson said, “Having the opportunity for our basketball teams to work with these athletes was an awesome experience! This year’s clinic was larger than last and the energy in the gym was proof of that. All the athletes had a great time and came away from the event feeling really good about themselves. I told our guys that by the end of the clinic their faces were going to hurt from smiling, and I was right! Overall, the day was full of high-fives, hugs, some hoops and a lot of smiles!”
The NCU athletic department also had the opportunity on Saturday to continue a long-standing volunteer partnership with FAAPA. Members of the men’s golf and track teams were on hand to help with office renovations that included trash hauling and painting. Previously, members of the NCU softball team have worked at the same facility, which FAAPA uses as a toy-distribution center during their “Week of our Children” holiday toy drive each year.
FAAPA President Debbie Albright said, “I am always so blown away by the enthusiasm, hard work, and great attitudes of the NCU student-athletes that have partnered with us at our office and at our annual Christmas party. We were able to get a lot done today with their help and we are grateful to have such a wonderful partner with the Beacons.”