February 8, 2012

Special Olympics Clinic Gallery | Special Olympics Clinic Video

With the short season in 2011-12, the players are so busy with basketball that sometimes they need a day away from the grind of season. On February 8, the Bobcats players got exactly that as they hosted the 8th Annual Special Olympics Clinic presented by Bojangles'.

More than 150 Special Olympic athletes from the state of North Carolina were able to partake in the activities; however, before they got on the court, the athletes were provided a lunch from the local Bojangle'’. Once the participants were done with their lunch, they took the court to learn the fundamentals of basketball from the Bobcats. More than anything, these athletes were able to create memories they will never forget.

"They have been asking me for sometime about when this day was coming," Development Director at Special Olympics North Carolina Susan Doggett said of one of the favorite activities they do all year. "They watch the Bobcats on TV, but to actually spend time and talk with the players, they love it."

One of those athletes, Jesse Templeton, talked about how much fun he had with the players. "I had a great time. I am happy to be here. I have supported the Bobcats for years, they are a great team, and I am just having so much fun."

The Bobcats were split up into groups of two or three players and in their station they would teach one of the basic fundamentals at basketball. These stations included dribbling, passing, shooting, defensive and rebounding skills.

D.J. Augustin was a leader at the dribbling station along with forward Tyrus Thomas and could not believe how excited the athletes were to learn the game of basketball.

"With everything going on in the season, it was good to get away for a day and to have some fun," he said. "These guys came in with tremendous energy and made things fun for everybody."

The team's other point guard, Kemba Walker, shared the same feeling about the day.

"A lot of these kids never get to meet a professional athlete," he said. "To be able to hang out with them, it was a good time."

After the event was over, the athletes and Bobcats players met in the circle for a final group photo before the campers ran off to get their gift bags as they left.

The day was every bit as good as the previous seven other Special Olympics Clinics, and with things as great as they were, it appears that there will be many more in the years to come.

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