Player Introduction Prior to UNO MBB-SOL Game
NEW ORLEANS – To celebrate the conclusion of spring semester final exams, the New Orleans men's basketball team opened the doors of the Lakefront Arena practice facility on Wednesday afternoon to a group from Special Olympics of Louisiana (SOL).
UNO head men's basketball coach
Mark Slessinger directed the clinic alongside his coaching staff and student-athletes. The event was co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Gretna.
The group stretched out under the guidance of Slessinger, who put several members of his roster and coaching staff on the spot by getting them to perform dance moves in front of the group.
After working at skill stations devoted to agility, dribbling and passing, the group of SOL All-Stars challenged the UNO men's basketball team to a game. With Slessinger serving as the celebrity public address announcer and player introductions of both squads out of the way, the game commenced.
The SOL All-Stars jumped out to an 11-4 lead heading into the obligatory halftime chicken dance.
The Privateers rallied to within 17-14 in the game's final minutes before SOL coach
Kris Arkenberg emptied his bench in a full court press. Several errant three-point attempts by the hosts in the waning seconds enabled the SOL squad to post their second win in as many tries against UNO.
Handshakes, hugs and laughs were shared by each side following the contest.
“We could not be more honored than to serve as a partner with the Special Olympics of Louisiana,” said Slessinger. “It is a great life lesson for our student-athletes to see the Special Olympians compete at such a high level and give such great effort with such a high attitude.”
“We receive more from the Special Olympians each clinic than they receive from us.”
About 20 Special Olympians attended the event, including a group of basketball stars from the BayouLand chapter of the Special Olympics which is attempting to qualify to represent the state of Louisiana at the 2014 United States Special Olympic Games in New Jersey.
Wednesday's event with SOL is one of several that Slessinger plans throughout the year. The Privateer men's basketball team intends to host another clinic in June or July.
For more information on how to get involved with SOL or participate in the UNO clinics, contact Kevin Collins or Craig Oser through the SOL web site located at
http://www.laso.org.
