Hawks say they’ll train, include Special Olympics athletes
Ahead of Special Olympics Georgia’s indoor winter games this weekend, the Atlanta Hawks have announced a major partnership with the organization.
The Hawks said Thursday they will now be working more with Special Olympics athletes, which highlights skilled competitors of all ages with intellectual disabilities.
The NBA team said they will include the athletes and coaches in the annual Jr. Hawks Coaches Clinic and upcoming tournaments.
READ | Polar Plunge will benefit Georgia Special Olympics
Five former players — Cal Bowdler, Charlie Criss, Andrew Lang, Roshown McLeod and Damien Wilkins — will be grand marshals at the opening ceremony of the 2020 State Indoor Winter Games on Friday.
“The Special Olympics Georgia athletes can’t wait to ... high five the many Hawks alumni,” said the games’ CEO Georgia Milton-Sheats.
The event will feature more than 1,800 athletes and represents the 50th year for Special Olympics Georgia, said Milton-Sheats.
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“As we aim to create a consistent experience for all athletes, this partnership provides incredible opportunities for us to develop meaningful relationships throughout the entire Special Olympics community,” said Jon Babul, Hawks vice president of basketball development.
Athletes and their families will also get discounted tickets for the rest of the season and a $10 credit to use at the stadium, the Hawks said.
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Ben Brasch is the reporter tasked with keeping Fulton County government accountable. The Florida native moved to Atlanta for a job with The AJC. If there's something important to you going on in Fulton, he wants to know about it. Help him better metro Atlanta by dropping a line, anonymously or otherwise.
