North Haven, Conn. - The University of Bridgeport women's and Men's basketball teams took part in the Special Olympics at North Haven Middle School on Wednesday September 21, 2011.

The Special Olympics is a global nonprofit organization that more than 3.4 million athletes of all ages are involved in. It serves nearly 200 million people with intellectual disabilities, which involve 200 countries worldwide. Each year the estimated number for volunteers increases. The University of Bridgeport volunteers for the North Haven Special Olympics, which is part of SOCT as well. They take part in basketball, swimming, softball, floor hockey, bowling, croquet, golf, and track and field training. This organization competes year round in unified and traditional sports. The unified sports are done with partners, while traditional are done only by athletes. Right now the organization is preparing for the Unified Basketball tournament that will be taking place November 19-20 at Quinnipiac University. This will include seven teams that are all on different levels.

The interaction with members of the Special Olympics is a truly experience that one to never forgets. Both the UB men's and women's basketball teams are excited and looking forward to receive another opportunity to interact with the Special Olympians. The Purple Knights are proud to not only be role models in the community, but are also inspired by the Special Olympic Athletes. At the event in North Haven, UB student-athletes worked with each person on shooting, defense, and ball handling. As a group, a dunking contest as well as many other games were held. The day was truly an unforgettable one, but it touched Bridgeport basketball player and coach in many positive ways.

Information contributed by Elinor Avny and the Bridgeport Sports Information Department.