Special Olympics athlete, Chidalu Onwuze recently saw one of her dreams come true when she flew the flag for Nigeria at the recently concluded NBA All-Star Weekend. Miss Onwunze who is a hearing impaired, basket baller was selected to participate in the 4thAnnual NBA Cares Unified Soccer Basketball game held in conjunction with the NBA All-Star Weekend.
The star studded event saw 12 Special Olympics athletes from around the world – Greece, Belgium, Korea, Mexico, Puerto Rico team up with superstar NBA and WNBA players and legends in a Unified Sports game which took place during the NBA All Stars Weekend in New York between Feb. 12 – Feb. 15, 2015.
Chidalu who was the sole representative of Nigeria and the entire African continent, played alongside NBA Cares Ambassador Jason Collins, NBA legend Detlef Schrempf, NBA Cares Ambassador Ruth Riley and Chicago Sky forward and Special Olympics Global Ambassador Elena Delle Donne. The 6ft 1inches, 19year old also got the chance to meet NBA stars, Tim Duncan, Chris Paul, James Harden and Kevin Durant.
The National Director for Special Olympics Nigeria Naomi Saliu-Lawal accompanied Chidalu on her trip.
Being a basketball player and playing at the Madison Square Garden, NY was a dream come true for Chidalu. This is a great initiative as it allows for integration, inclusion and acceptance. The athletes displayed commendable skills on he court and you would never know they have any form of intellectual disabilities. It was a fulfilling experience for all of us who got the chance to see them play. Several media houses in New York also interviewed Chidalu.
Learn more about Special Olympics Nigeria at: http://specialolympicsnig.org/
Keep up with Special Olympics Nigeria on social media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonigeria
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SO_NIGERIA
Instagram: @specialolympicsnigeria
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