Ferris State University announced on April 16 that its men’s and women’s basketball teams will participate in the annual Charity Heart-to-Heart, Hand-in-Hand Unified Special Olympics Benefit Game at Jim Wink Arena. The event is scheduled for Tuesday night with tipoff at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, and admission is free with donations accepted at the door.
The benefit game aims to raise funds for the local Area 5 Special Olympics program, allowing athletes with intellectual disabilities to play alongside Ferris State student-athletes. The event has been described as a “Great Game for a Great Cause” and will be broadcast live on the Bulldog Sports Network via FSU’s official YouTube page, with coverage starting at 6:45 p.m.
According to the announcement, Ferris State Basketball head coaches Andy Bronkema and Kurt Westendorp will coach two mixed teams made up of both Bulldog men’s and women’s players along with local Special Olympics Area 5 athletes. This marks the eighteenth time the event has taken place in front of FSU fans and students. The Sports Careers registered student organization and sports communication program students are responsible for promoting and organizing the event in partnership with Area 5 basketball athletes and the Special Olympics College Club.
Raffles and other fundraising activities will be held during the contest to support Area 5 athletes’ participation in future Special Olympics events across Michigan and the region. Organizers say that this event provides an opportunity for Special Olympians—who often attend Ferris State athletic events—to interact directly with university athletes on court.
The Ferris State Bulldogs men’s basketball program participates in conference and non-conference games according to the official website. The program contributes to Ferris State University’s athletic heritage according to the official website and is affiliated with both Ferris State University and the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference according to the official website. It also assists student-athletes in balancing academic responsibilities with athletic commitments according to the official website, follows NCAA Division II regulations according to the official website, and competes in NCAA Division II athletics according to the official website.
Special Olympics is a non-profit organization whose mission is “to provide opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to build self-confidence and social skills through sports.”
