NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara women’s basketball team took part in this year’s Special Olympics that were held in Scafiddi Gym at the Kiernan Center on Saturday.
 
It was the second year in a row that the Purple Eagles participated in the event that brought over 400 people to campus.  This year’s Special Olympics brought 14 teams from 11 different clubs to the court and started with opening ceremonies as all of the teams paraded into the gym.  An honor guard was present through the singing of the national anthem. 
 
Players from the women’s basketball team were on hand to encourage the athletes through their team games and the skills challenge. 
 
“We did it last year too, and it’s just fun working with the players,” Meghan McGuinness said.  “It’s something that makes you feel good to give back.  They think we’re a big deal so it just makes you feel good.”
 
“I always have a lot of fun doing the Special Olympics and I think everyone on our team does,” said Gabby Baldasare.   “It’s a great experience to work with those people, and to be around them give you such a good perspective on life and it puts you in the best mood to be around them.”
 
Most of the team sat on the benches with the participating athletes to cheer them on as well as provide water and towels. 
 
Two Purple Eagles, Chanel Johnson and Shy Britton  were enrolled in the Special Olympics class this semester and coached two of the teams from the Niagara Falls School District every Tuesday.  They would host practice and run through fundamentals like lay-up drills and free throws weekly.
 
“It was really exciting,” Johnson said.  “I had to put all of my stuff aside and just give my all to the group of kids.  I’ve been coaching them every Thursday leading up to the event and it was great.”
 
“Every time they smile, I smile,” she continued.  "It’s great, actually, it makes me feel better when I’m there and it makes me feel like a better person overall.”