ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI — Basketball is about more than making baskets.
It can also bring people together, create friendships, and remind children that they belong.
University of Missouri–St. Louis basketball players recently demonstrated that message through community visits that celebrated inclusion, connection, and the joy of sports.
The women’s basketball team visited students at the Central Institute for the Deaf.
Where members of the men’s basketball team joined athletes from the Adaptive Sports YMCA for baseball activities.
These visits gave student-athletes an opportunity to connect with young people beyond the court and share the fun of participating in sports together.
Making Every Child Feel Included
For children, meeting college athletes can be an exciting experience.
But the most meaningful part of a community visit may be the opportunity to laugh, play, learn, and feel included.
Activities that welcome children with different abilities help demonstrate that sports can be adapted to create opportunities for participation.
Children can build confidence, develop friendships, and discover new interests in environments where their abilities and individuality are respected.
College athletes can serve as positive role models by demonstrating teamwork, kindness, leadership, and community involvement.
By spending time with local children, UMSL’s basketball programs showed how the spirit of athletics can extend beyond competition.
Giving time, encouraging others, and creating welcoming experiences are meaningful ways to strengthen a community.
Congratulations to the UMSL student-athletes for sharing the joy of sports with the St. Louis community!
Big athletes. Big dreams.
