Special Olympics Kansas celebrates unity through sport at youth basketball camp

GALENA, Kan. — One organization is bringing inclusivity to basketball in Southeast Kansas

Special Olympics Kansas hosted its first “Individuals Intellectual Developmental Disabilities Youth Basketball Camp”.

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The organization partnered with “Pure Heart Basketball” at Galena High School.

More than 30 students of all ability levels, from 3rd grade through high school, split into groups to learn basketball skills on the court.

Volunteers came out to teach– representing local high schools including Pittsburg and Galena.

The event was centered around community inclusivity, outside of a school day.

“Being able to celebrate how inclusive our community is, we have several vendors set up, different ability levels, has been really fun,” said Olivia Ryan, Southeast Region Director for Special Olympics Kansas.

“We’re trying to push the community to partner with us and what we do with our service, the acts of service, to help the Special Olympics community,” said Courtney Ingram, Pure Heart Basketball owner and youth basketball coordinator.

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Ingram hopes to continue the goal of including Special Olympics in every community event, making sure no one is left out no matter the sport.

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