Bucks players, coaches give back, spend time on the court with Special Olympics athletes
MEQUON (WITI) -- There is a winning attitude surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team this season -- both on and off the court. That was the prevailing theme Tuesday night, February 10th when several Bucks connected with some special friends -- friends who may have given back even more than they received.
"Oh, just joy man. Just a smile on my face, man. That's a lot. Just to see them having the fun that they're having doing this -- man, it's great," Bucks forward/center Kenyon Martin said.
There is nothing quite like seeing Special Olympics athletes perform on the sports stage. There was nothing better than watching 100 of them from the Greater Milwaukee area interact with Milwaukee Bucks players and coaches during their annual basketball clinic at Homestead High School.
"People might see it as I'm giving to them, but mostly I'm getting something from being here. Seeing the enthusiasm, it's really helping me through the rehab process. Just being grateful for what you have -- because they are not complaining," Bucks forward Jabari Parker said.
It was good to see Bucks top draft pick Jabari Parker moving around smoothly at his station with the special athletes as he recovers from a torn ACL. As Parker said, the smiles get you every time.
"That's one thing you can have in your days -- just a smile. Make sure you take advantage of the opportunities and, you know, your abilities. Even though they might be limited a bit, you can still do some things," Parker said.
"It's having someone that believes in them and gives them the opportunity to shine, and hopefully just this one event gives the kids the opportunity to shine to make them feel like, I do belong," Bucks Head Coach Jason Kidd said.
It took Paul a few tries to knock down his jump shot. As well as his Bucks have played this season, Coach Kidd has watched the guys struggle to do the same thing. Patience prevailed -- and Paul hit his shot.
"Very cool -- and we weren't going to leave until Paul made it, so the lights might've been turned out but me and Paul would've stayed until he made it. Just to see him smile -- the joy the other guys got to see him make it was special," Coach Kidd said.
"As people, we just all need to have a heart for giving back. It also just lets you know just how fortunate we are as people to have the ability to give back, so to be a part of it, it's always fun. It's always special," Bucks Assistant Coach Greg Foster said.
"You can see the joy on their face when they make a shot and everybody's cheering for them, so that just does a lot for me," Bucks center Johnny O'Bryant said.
The Homestead High School players and coaches offer a big assist, and they get one back from watching the inspirational Special Olympians.
"It means a lot to me that they don't fall into peer pressure. They're enthusiastic about what they can do, and I'm just happy to see them out here and doing what they like to do," Homestead senior guard Devonta Parker said.
Like every one of her teammates, Kari had a blast at the Bucks clinic. Her dad summed it up best when asked what his daughter and the rest of the Special Olympics athletes bring to anyone fortunate enough to spend time with them.
"Oh it's wonderful for people to have that experience of seeing what wonders can be in a child with special needs and the blessings to be had," Chuck Sigurdson said.
The Special Olympics athletes got to attend the Bucks game on Monday night, February 9th against Brooklyn. Coach Kidd says their enthusiasm helped Milwaukee beat his former team.