Friday marked a day of inclusion at Kitchener’s Stanley Park Community Center as adults with developmental disabilities had the opportunity to shoot hoops with the KW Titans, a professional basketball team. The event, organized by the community group Adults in Motion (AIM), aimed to provide programming and services for individuals with disabilities.
The partnership between AIM and the KW Titans began in 2023 and has since fostered a strong bond between the players and AIM members. During the event, AIM members had the chance to personally meet the Titans players, creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone involved.
KW Titans guard Dexter Williams Jr. expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, It’s pretty fun. Everybody around here is having a fun time. We’re here to help make things better around here. The players eagerly engaged with the AIM members, teaching them basic basketball skills such as dribbling and shooting.
Following the shoot-around, both teams took to the court for a friendly scrimmage. In an exciting turn of events, Adults in Motion emerged victorious with a late buzzer-beater, but the true triumph of the day was the formation of lasting friendships and the breaking down of barriers through the power of sports.
It just shows that everybody can do everything they want, emphasized Williams Jr. It doesn’t matter if you have a disability or not. If you want to play basketball, you can play basketball.
The heartwarming event has prompted the KW Titans to extend an invitation to AIM members to be featured as the charity of the game at their upcoming home game against the Windsor Express on January 20. Titans forward Darian Jones expressed his excitement about the prospect, saying, That’d be great to see them. They have great energy, they bring great vibes to the game.
In addition to the game invitation, AIM encourages interested individuals to visit their website to learn more about their registration and programming options. The partnership between AIM and the KW Titans serves as a powerful example of the positive impact sports can have on fostering inclusion and breaking down societal barriers.
The event not only highlighted the abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities but also emphasized the importance of community engagement and support. The KW Titans’ partnership with AIM showcases their dedication to making a difference beyond the basketball court, serving as an inspiration to both the local community and a global audience.
As the KW Titans continue their season, they aim to spread further awareness and promote inclusivity through their partnership with Adults in Motion and other community initiatives. The memorable day spent shooting hoops together exemplified the belief that everyone has the ability to pursue their passions and dreams, regardless of any disabilities they may face.
Tickets for KW Titans’ games can be purchased through their official website, offering an opportunity for fans to support both the team and their impactful community work.
