Women's Basketball Honoured to Host EDSS Athletes
EDMONTON, AB - November 29, 2018
The Thunder Women's Basketball team finished the first half of the season tied for 2nd spot in the ACAC north conference with an 8-4 record. The ladies had some help prepping for the second semester as they had the pleasure to host the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society(EDSS) at their practice Tuesday night. Carly Smith, who has as helped the Thunder basketball program for the past five years as team manager, invited her teammates from the EDSS for a night out with the Thunder.
Coach Robbie Valpreda was excited to share the court with Carly's peers on Tuesday night, "Having Carly and her basketball team come in and take part with the women's basketball team for the evening is an excellent opportunity for everyone. Carly is an important part of our program and any chance we can get to support her and her peers is important to us."
The Thunder women's basketball team support Carly and her family each year by joining the GO 21 walk every June to raise awareness for the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society. Carly and her family are also strong supporters of Thunder Athletics by attending majority of home basketball games and have even travelled to the last two ACAC Basketball Championship tournaments.
Carly's father Brad Smith, was delighted to take in this wonderful opportunity, "The EDSS athletes were so excited to come to a college gym for their weekly practice. Many were saying "thanks" from the moment they walked in the door. Each athlete paired off with Thunder players for drills followed by a scrimmage. The Thunder student athletes were so gracious with their enthusiasm and encouragement to the EDSS athletes, it made them feel special and included. Parents and caregivers expressed sincere appreciation to Coach Robbie and CUE athletics for arranging this special experience."
Thunder Athletics and the women's basketball program are honoured to have hosted these incredible athletes and are hopeful to have them back in the near future! Carly and the women's basketball team will resume their regular season play on January 11th, 2019 as they host the Lakeland Rustlers.