Croton-Harmon High School’s girls and boys varsity basketball teams welcomed a special group of players to the school on Jan. 31.“It’s all about bringing together a community to experience a wonderful time of socialization through basketball,” said Lisa Bogdan, who helps facilitate the annual clinic. “Young people with special needs [physical and mental challenges] from ages 7 to 21 participate in the program.”
The 90-minute clinic, which is in its fourth year, involved warm-ups, stretches, drills and scrimmages.
“It’s a win for everyone – the Challengers, the varsity players and the coaches,” said Bogdan. “Varsity players gain greater confidence, awareness and understanding in working with the participants.”
The Challengers Basketball Clinic was launched in 2011 by now CHHS juniors Evan and Jared Douglas, who partnered with the village’s Department of Recreation to expand the existing Challengers program with a basketball component.“Any time we can give back to the community is a welcome opportunity, and to work with special needs children makes it even more special,” said boys head coach William Thom. “The boys embrace the opportunity and excel every year.”
At the conclusion of the program, all of the Challengers received a medal and a T-shirt, and everyone left feeling accomplished and with new friends.
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