Hornets Host Special Athletes
For the ninth consecutive year, the Hornets players and coaches hosted 250 Special Olympics athletes at the Hornets Training Center on Jan. 25 after practice.
The Special Olympians, from both North and South Carolina, divided into groups of 20 and rotated from player to player over the two-hour clinic. Each player and coach demonstrated a particular basketball skill followed by interactive time with the athletes. There were drills and warm-ups led by Assistant Coach Lee Rose and Strength and Conditioning Coach Chip Sigmon, and the afternoon also included a chance to watch film with Video Coordinator Drew Perry and a tour of the training center locker room with Equipment Manager Dave Jovanovic.
The entire Hornets team participated in the event and Hugo the Hornet was in attendance to keep things buzzing. It was the first clinic for Charlotte forward P.J. Brown, who joined the Hornets in an offseason trade with Miami.
"Children are just innocent and pure and that's what I love about them," said Brown. "This is something special because you get an opportunity to give something to these kids, who would never ask for anything. They just want to be around you and made to feel special, and I enjoy doing that."
 P.J. Brown gives advice on how to hold the ball for shooting. |
 Lee Nailon shows off some jump-roping tricks. |
 Equipment Manager Dave Jovanovic shows off some big shoes. |
 P.J. Brown hands off for the jump shot. |
