Grand Rapids Reporter

Ferris State University will host the 18th annual Charity Heart-to-Heart, Hand-in-Hand Unified Special Olympics Benefit Game on Tuesday at Jim Wink Arena. The men's and women's basketball teams will collaborate with local Special Olympics Area 5 athletes to raise funds for the local Special Olympics program. The event, promoted as a "Great Game for a Great Cause," begins at 7 p.m. Eastern Time with free admission and donations accepted.

FSU student-athletes will form two mixed teams, comprising both Bulldog players and Area 5 athletes. Ferris State Basketball head coaches Andy Bronkema and Kurt Westendorp will lead these squads. The event is organized by the Sports Careers RSO and the Sports Communication Program at FSU, with proceeds supporting Area 5 Special Olympians.

Participants in the game include men and women from Ferris State's basketball teams playing alongside Special Olympians to raise funds for participation in regional events. Spectators can enjoy various activities throughout the night.

The game offers an opportunity for Area 5 Special Olympians to interact with FSU athletes on the court. "Our players love playing in this game every year and being teammates with the Special Olympics athletes," said Andy Bronkema, FSU men's basketball head coach. "It is a great experience for our own student-athletes as well and we enjoy taking part in this game."

Raffles and fundraisers during the contest will further support Area 5 athletes. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. (ET) at Wink Arena within Ewigleben Sports Complex.

The event began in 2005, organized by students from FSU's Sports Careers registered student organization along with sports communication students, in partnership with Area 5 basketball athletes and the Special Olympics College Club.

Special Olympics aims to provide opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to build self-confidence and social skills through sports.