TOWSON, Md. – The Towson University men's and women's basketball teams understand, appreciate and accept its responsibilities as beacons of shining light for others in the community.
Jakigh Dottin danced.
Cydney Lei Rivera showcased her dribbling skills.
Juwan Gray made new friends.
Jalynn Holmes consistently encouraged participants.
Nakye Sanders had fun playing one-on-one. Overall, there were lots of laughs, high-fives and hugs.
The stresses of a late-season stretch run, minor aches and pains and preparing for tough games later this week took a backseat as both teams had a blast hosting their annual autism clinic Wednesday afternoon at SECU Arena. The clinic featured several individuals from the Hussman Center for Adults on the campus of Towson University.
"This is exactly what we needed," Towson freshman guard
Allen Betrand said. "There's no better feeling than sharing your time and giving back to the community. It's special to be a light for other people and help them. It was fun to share this clinic with the women's basketball team because we don't get to see them that much. To come together for something special like autism means a lot. One major takeaway for me is you can't judge people off of their actions. You have to get to know them."
Towson head men's basketball coach
Pat Skerry and Towson head women's basketball coach
Diane Richardson put everybody through defensive drills as they slapped the floor, got into a defensive stance, dribbled to halfcourt and back, slid side-to-side, and moved their feet up and down.
The clinic was conducted ahead of Towson's Autism Awareness weekend as both teams will play. The men host Drexel Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. while the women will play the College of Charleston on Sunday also at 2 p.m. Both teams will wear special blue autism uniforms during the games.
In addition to this clinic, Skerry participated in an autism panel earlier in the week with Richardson (women's basketball) and
Don Metil (volleyball). Towson University's Department of Athletics, in conjunction with the College of Liberal Arts and the Office of Disability Services made the special afternoon possible.
"This was a lot of fun and it was cool to be able to make a difference in someone else's life," Towson women's basketball senior guard
Danielle Durjan said. "Participating in this clinic today was special because it helps you understand how blessed we really are to be in a position to make a positive impact. This is something I don't take for granted. To be able to make somebody else's day better is really the true value of what we do and makes us important in the community."
ABOUT THE HUSSMAN CENTER FOR ADULTS WITH AUTISM
The Hussman Center for Adults with Autism provides cutting-edge programming, training and resources for adults on the autism spectrum, Towson University students, professionals and others in the community. We offer two primary types of programs:
1) Group programs for neuro-diverse individuals that are offered in the spring, summer and fall featuring inclusive Towson University student involvement.
2) College Orientation & Life Activities (COLA) for Towson University students who are on the autism spectrum. This program provides support in planning for success as a college student.
The Hussman Center also promotes research about our innovative program model and sharing of this model with other universities, professional groups, and community organizations.
