UMKC basketball camp brings inclusion to those with special needs
By Alan Shope
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KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KMBC) — A basketball camp at the University of Missouri-Kansas City brought together individuals with special needs and the university’s women’s basketball team for a day of inclusion and connection.
More than two dozen participants joined the camp, which was sponsored by the Beautiful Lives Project, a nonprofit organization that works to create opportunities for those with special needs.
“I love basketball,” said 22-year-old participant Geni Wier, who attended the camp to share her enthusiasm for the sport. “I used to do like basketball with my friends, and I like it so much.”
Tracy Mattis, from the Beautiful Lives Project, said the event worked to provide a sense of belonging.
“It’s just all about inclusion, connection, providing opportunities for people to do something unique that they haven’t done before and normally wouldn’t be available to them,” Mattis said. “To know that they’re loved and invited and connected, and it’s not always about ability and disability, but it’s about the possibility.”
Avery Hurst, a fifth-year senior on the UMKC women’s basketball team, described the activities participants enjoyed during the camp.
“We’ll be shooting, passing, dribbling, and we’ll get to play a little bit at the end,” Hurst said.
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