ELON, N.C. - The Elon women’s basketball team and staff was on hand for the 2010 Special Olympics Alamance County to share their passion and volunteer their time with over 300 Special Olympic athletes from the community.
 
“Today was a special day for our program and I am really glad that the team was able to experience something that was so inspiring,” Elon women’s basketball coach Karen Barefoot said.
 
The team served as officials, evaluated individual performances and offered instruction in basketball related competitions, including an individual skills competition, a 3 vs. 3 competition and the MATProgram.
 
The individual skills competition is designed for athletes who are not ready to play the game. The participants have trouble running the length of the court or do not have an understanding of the game.
 
The 3 vs. 3 competition is a half-court competition that pits divisions against one another based on age and ability.
 
The final of the three competitions is the MATProgram, which is designed for the program’s lowest function athletes, where the participant will perform certain tasks and receive a ribbon after completion.
 
“I was so happy to be able to be a part of Special Olympics this year,” sophomore guard Kallie Hovatter said. “Just to be able to share my passion for basketball and see how it made the kids smile is something that I will take with me for the rest of my life.”
 
If you are interested in becoming involved with the Special Olympics Alamance County, please contact Scott Reavis at 336-229-2230.