Amid smiles, laughter and high-fives, the Kansas University men's basketball team gave a clinic to 120 Special Olympians at Allen Fieldhouse.
At Sunday's 18th annual clinic, the basketball players taught skills such as dribbling, passing and shooting, then played short scrimmages with the Special Olympics athletes.
"We really have fun with it," KU coach Roy Williams said. "I think the Special Olympians enjoy themselves, and I think our players enjoy it, too."
Stephanie King, 34, a member of the COF Ottawa team, said she watches all the KU basketball games unless she has to work at the Ottawa Wal-Mart. She enjoyed playing in Allen Fieldhouse.
"It's awesome," she said. "You get to learn how to play basketball with different players."
Ben Moore, 24, Olathe, said it was "pretty awesome" to play with his favorite players, Jeff Boschee and Drew Gooden. Moore said he and his teammates from the Lake Mary Stars appreciated the afternoon.
"I just like playing," he said.
The basketball clinic is popular among Special Olympics teams, said Susan Krumm, assistant vice president of sports for Special Olympics Kansas. She said 12 different teams already had reserved spots for next year.
"We just enjoy being with the athletes and practicing and playing with them," Krumm said.
John Wiegers, Leawood, watched as his 14-year-old daughter, Brooke, went through drills with the team.
"It's just a great opportunity for them," he said. "Most kids don't even get to shoot a basket in Allen Fieldhouse."
Afterwards, the players and coaches signed autographs for the Special Olympians.
Senior Jeff Carey said he had a great time helping out at the clinic.
"It makes them feel good and it makes us feel good knowing we can help out," he said.
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