Around Hopewell
RMU Hosts Special Olympics Unified Basketball Clinic!
Hopewell – 3-19-2025
Hopewell Students Have an Amazing Experience with Robert Morris University for Special Olympics Unified Basketball Clinic. The Hopewell Life Skills Special Education Teacher Jennifer Schultz spoke with HSN, “We got invited from the Special Olympics of PA to participate in this event. It was a great experience for the students and all involved had a lot of fun. We approached today, as we do in all of our Special Olympic events, with the motto, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
In an incredible display of teamwork and community spirit, Hopewell students recently participated in a Special Olympics Unified Basketball clinic at Robert Morris University (RMU). This amazing opportunity was made possible through a partnership with RMU and the Cleveland Cavaliers coaching staff, who have a long-standing history of working with youth basketball programs across Pennsylvania and Ohio.
The clinic brought together both high school and elementary school students from Hopewell, creating an inspiring environment where young athletes of all abilities could learn, grow, and share their passion for the game. Under the expert guidance of the Cavaliers’ coaching staff, the students took part in skill-building drills and shooting exercises, honing their basketball techniques while having fun and building new friendships.
The focus of the clinic was on fostering inclusion and creating a space where athletes of all backgrounds could come together to enjoy the sport. Special Olympics Unified Sports pairs athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team, and this event was a perfect example of how sports can unite individuals, promote teamwork, and encourage mutual respect.
The clinic was more than just an opportunity to improve basketball skills; it was a celebration of community, diversity, and the power of sport to break down barriers. Both the high school and elementary school groups from Hopewell left the event with valuable skills, new friendships, and lasting memories.
This partnership between RMU, the Cleveland Cavaliers coaching staff, and Hopewell students has not only provided an unforgettable experience for the athletes but has also highlighted the importance of inclusion in youth sports. Through programs like this, we continue to see the positive impact that sports can have on individuals, regardless of ability.
It’s safe to say that this Unified Basketball clinic is one of many steps forward in making sports more inclusive for everyone, and the Hopewell students are sure to remember this day for years to come.
