Mount Saint Vincent Students Host Basketball Clinic for Special Needs Teens
5/5/2015
Riverdale, N.Y. – Students at the University of Mount Saint Vincent will hold a basketball clinic for some 50 special needs teenagers from the surrounding community on Thursday, May 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. Members of the Mount’s men’s and women’s basketball teams have taken the lead on organizing the first-time event, and have opened it up to other students who expressed interest in participating.
Spencer Bode ’18, a freshman student athlete who developed the idea with the help of some of his basketball teammates and members of Campus Ministry, dubbed the program “TeamWork Makes Dreams Work.” Their goal is to bring together college athletes and special needs students for a day of friendly competition and skill practice at the basketball clinic, along with pizza, team tee-shirts and all-around fun.
The special needs youths are from nearby Leake & Watts and the Hawthorne County Day School. The clinic will take place in the Peter Jay Sharp Athletic and Recreation Center on the Mount campus. Food and beverages for the event have been donated by area and campus merchants.
“We feel there’s a tremendous opportunity to give back to young people in our community who are living with disabilities,” said Mr. Bode. “By offering the use of the Mount’s beautiful, newly renovated athletic center, and the support and friendship of our students, we felt we could make a really special outing for these special athletes, and bring them into our campus family. It’s important to strengthen Mount students’ connection to the community in which it thrives.”
About the University of Mount Saint Vincent
Founded in 1847 by the Sisters of Charity, the University of Mount Saint Vincent offers nationally recognized liberal arts education and a select array of professional fields of study on a landmark campus overlooking the Hudson River. Committed to the education of the whole person, and enriched by the unparalleled cultural, educational and career opportunities of New York City, the College equips students with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for lives of achievement, professional accomplishment and leadership in the 21st century.