Courtesy of Bowie State University
Earlier this month, the Bowie State University women’s basketball team collaborated with the Prince George’s County Special Olympics to put on the program’s first basketball clinic for special needs students on their home court inside A.C. Jordan Arena.
About 25 special needs students from Bowie and Central High Schools participated in the clinic that featured modified basketball skills instruction including dribbling, shooting, rebounding, defense, agility, and passing along with sportsmanship and teamwork. Ten returning players from the women’s basketball team led the clinic.
Special Olympics serves individuals with intellectual disabilities, which may be accompanied by a physical disability. The event celebrates the impact of athletics and student-athletes on the campus and surrounding community.
“It was a good opportunity,” said Bowie State women’s basketball coach Shadae Swan. “It gave the players a chance to display their leadership. They were able to conduct the drills, and the players did a good job of breaking everything down, demonstrating and encouraging the participants. We’re going to do it again.”