March 7, 2013
Jarrett Jack and Andris Biedrins Host Clinic For Special Olympics Northern California Athletes
Basketball Clinic Part of Special Olympics "Spread The Word To End the Word" Awareness Day March 6
The Warriors hosted 45 athletes from the Special Olympics Northern California who enjoyed a riveting evening with Warriors super subs, Jarrett Jack and Andris Biedrins, on Tuesday night at the Warriors Practice Facility. Jack and Biedrins, along with the Warriors Youth Basketball staff, to hosta basketball clinic that focused on the fundamentals, helping the athletes get low into their defensive stance, rebound the ball and dribble with both hands. Most importantly, the Warriors stressed that these athletes from the Richmond Buffaloes, Tri-City Road Runners, and Hayward Hurricanes do their best and have a great time.
"It's tremendous that the NBA, the Golden State Warriors and the Special Olympics put on this event today. I know from their situation they feel a little overlooked and they don't have the same privileges as otherss, so tonight for them to live their dream and have a smile on their face means everything," said Jarrett Jack.
Jack and Biedrins joined the three teams in rebounding, dribbling, and shooting stations, a Kings drill to improve defense, and an exciting shooting contest that saw the Tri-City Road Runners hit 10 shots at the free throw line and right elbow to outscore the other teams. During the entire clinic, players could hardly contain their excitement to meet and play alongside their heroes.
"It's my second time doing a basketball clinic with the Special Olympics and I see a lot of people who were here last year. It's amazing to be around these athletes and see the joy that you bring them for a long time," said Andris Biedrins. "It's easy to be here and see how excited they are to play in these basketball stations and participate in rebounding, running and shooting."
After a raffle of signed prizes and a group picture, participants were able to receive autographs and share a couple of words with their heroes. The players also received a blue Warriors t-shirt, picture frame, water bottle and notebook. Parents and coaches were thrilled, knowing this experience will be forever remembered and cherished.
"Our athletes are such fans of these guys and lined up to get their pictures taken and be able to share a moment with them. It's a really great thing that the Warriors host this clinic because they have such a great time and are so happy," said Hayward Hurricanes coach Amy Lee.
This event is part of the Special Olympics' "Spread the Word to End The Word" campaign and league-wide awareness day on March 6, 2013. The "Spread the Word to End the Word" campaign is aimed at ending the hurtful use of the R-word ("retard(ed)") negatively impacting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).After spending time with these athletes and having some fun, Jarrett Jack felt compelled to share the importance of exercising compassion for the plight of others.
"Whether the word refers to a mental disability, race or sexuality, the best way to put it in reference to your life is; how would I feel if that word were used to describe my family members, my children or my parents? That's the way we should try to treat everybody," said Jack.
The NBA's global partnership with Special Olympics began more than 30 years ago when the league helped to introduce basketball as a new sport to the organization, and continues through sponsorship of Special Olympics basketball tournaments, major Special Olympics events and most recently the NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Sports Basketball Game at the 2013 NBA All-Star.