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SALT LAKE CITY — There is no feeling like being part of a team, playing a sport.
The camaraderie and the competition of sports are one of the rare treats in life, and are something everyone deserves to experience, regardless of athletic ability or disability.
Special Olympics of Utah is a nonprofit organization in the state, dedicated to providing competitive athletic opportunities to over 2,500 athletes dealing with intellectual disabilities. They coordinate and organize competitive events in 16 sports, and offer over 50 events a year.
An exciting athletic event took place Monday, as Utah Jazz guard Ian Clark and members of the Jazz coaching staff hosted 32 athletes for a basketball skills clinic at the team’s training facility. Additionally, the athletes were able to tour the locker rooms.
Clark, who also participated in the team’s annual Junior Jazz road trip around the state this past summer, said athletics can play an important role in life.
“I think it gives (people) their own kind of security, as in what they want to do later,” said Clark, who conducted shooting drills for the players. “Some people might want to become pros when they get older, and also it’s just a fun way to get exercise and just connect with other people.”
Special Olympics Utah CEO Amy Hansen said the athletes enjoyed learning from an NBA player.
“(The) athletes were so excited to have the opportunity to come out and participate with Ian Clark and the Utah Jazz coaches,” she said. “We had 32 athletes from Salt Lake County and Utah County that were able to join us, but many more that wanted the opportunity. Our athletes really know the sport of basketball, and know the Utah Jazz.”
Providing the thrill of playing basketball is important to Special Olympics Utah, but it’s also important to the Jazz organization. Utah Jazz President Randy Rigby said the team is committed to helping provide basketball-related opportunities to the group.
“The Jazz organization has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Special Olympics Utah,” he said. “Our players and coaching staff always have a wonderful time working with Special Olympics athletes, providing encouragement and on-the-court tips while emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and having fun.”
Hansen said the favorite part of the day for the athletes is actually spending time on the court.
“The favorite part is just scrimmaging out on the floor, and also the opportunity to visit the locker room,” she said. “We love doing events with the Utah Jazz, and the Jazz have been so generous to offer this opportunity on a regular basis for us.”
As the years go by, athletics for the intellectually challenged is becoming more widespread. For instance, the Utah High School Activities Association has unified teams, where athletes of all abilities combine to play.
With that growth in mind, Hansen said she is hopeful the partnership between the Special Olympics and the Jazz will continue to grow.
“Thanks to the Utah Jazz, basketball is a really known sport and popular sport in our market,” she said. “Our athletes are like every other fan — they want the chance to meet one of these professional athletes, and rub shoulders with them.
“We know that our basketball program is really strong, thanks to the Jazz, and this year at our fall sports classic, we hosted over 50 basketball teams (which) includes unified and traditional sports teams.”
Clark said Jazz players value the opportunity to give back to kids in the Salt Lake area.
“I take a great sense of pride because, growing up, I’ve always wanted to be an NBA player,” he said, “and always wanted to give back and be in this position. It’s big for me, and it’s big for the kids that get involved.”
