Basketball Players from MSJC Volunteer in Special Event

Athletes from Mt. San Jacinto College, volunteered in the fourth annual Basketball Showdown, which benefits special education students.

On Dec. 11, at San Jacinto High School, men's and women's basketball players of Mt. San Jacinto College, helped instruct students from San Jacinto High School and North Mountain Middle School, in basketball fundamentals.

The event was designed to bridge the relationship between special and general education students with athletics, said Cathy Begorre, an adaptive physical education teacher at San Jacinto High.

"It makes him feel wonderful," Hemet resident, Lynne Henson said, watching her grandson Jedi, who has autism, participate in the Showdown. "It makes him feel like he can do anything."

Henson said the event helps her 12-year-old grandson build confidence and coordination.

"It's a real community event," said San Jacinto High School Principal, Jordan Reeves. "It's just incredible."

Reeves said it's important to help the general and special education students form bonds through activities such as the Showdown.

Mt. San Jacinto College basketball player Blake O'Donnell, said he participated because he wanted to give back to the community.

"Any way we can help, we're more than happy to do it," said women's basketball player, DeShea Wilkes.

Wilkes understands the benefits of helping the special education students because she has an uncle who participates in the Special Olympics.

Mt. San Jacinto College students who volunteered in this year's Showdown included men's coach John Brown, Blake O'Donnell, Austin King, and Samuel Williams and from the women's team, Coach Fontay Mozga, Kenyetta Fugate, Suzie Castro-Larsen, DeShea Wilkes, and Christina Grant.

Other participants of the event, included cheerleaders and students from the Together We Can Club from San Jacinto High School.