Famous for its Football (Soccer) Pitches, Rio de Janeiro, was the stage of another sport: Basketball

By: Special Olympics Brazil’s Lídia Tamy

55 Special Olympics Brazil athletes, from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, participated in a basketball clinic facilitated by the NBA Cares “Basketball Without Borders” global basketball development program. The athletes had the opportunity to learn from NBA legends Adonal Foyle, Allan Houston, Dominique Wilkins and Sam Perkins basketball fundamentals, such as dribbling and shootings.

“What a beautiful day! What a beautiful place! It’s inspiring to play in this environment. It’s a pity we only stayed for a few days in Rio de Janeiro, a very beautiful place with welcoming people” said former NBA player, Domique Wilkins.

The event was an initiative of the NBA Cares program which is a global community outreach initiative that addresses social issues such as education, youth and family development, and health and wellness. Through this program, Special Olympics and the NBA have been partnering for over six years to develop activities that make our world a better one. These NBA basketball clinics have been held with athletes from Special Olympics China, England, France, Mexico, Singapore, South Africa, Spain and Turkey.

As part of the event, Paulo Fonseca, President of Special Olympics Brazil, welcomed the attendees and thanked the NBA for the opportunity offered to the SO Brazil athletes. Sam Perkins, Special Olympics Board Member and advocate, spoke about the privilege of being part of the Special Olympics Movement and the NBA Cares program and congratulated Special Olympics Brazil on the great work they are doing in the country.

Thanks to NBA Cares for partnering with Special Olympics! We look forward to the next clinic to be held in South Africa in September!