Recently, the junior girls volleyball team at St. Theresa of Lisieux Catholic High School’s invited members of the Special Needs Athletic Program (SNAP) to their school for a friendly and inclusive basketball tournament.
SNAP is a Christ-based non-profit that aims to help people living with various disabilities be more active and improve their quality of life through sports and other activities.
The idea for the event began when students expressed their interest in hosting an inclusive basketball tournament while helping to strengthen their ties to the community. Students, with the guidance of their Athletic Director and teacher, Luca Savo, invited nearby schools and SNAP to attend.
“I’m so proud of our students. It was a great way to bring different communities together to create new friendships and revive old ones,” said Luca Savo, department head of physical education at St. Theresa of Lisieux. “We saw our athletes play with incredible heart and determination. It brought out the stars in our athletes.”
Students took leadership in the planning process to ensure the event was extra special. The day began with an Olympic style opening ceremony where all attendees cheered on each other as they entered the school. After a few games of basketball, the event ended with a ceremonial dance to celebrate their togetherness.
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