Ashley Aldrich of Milford had the experience of a lifetime when she traveled to Charlotte N.C. to compete in the NBA Cares Unified game. Being selected as one of only 12 athletes from around the world was exciting on its own, but when she found out who her coach was, her excitement hit a new level. Ashley and her teammates, comprised of Special Olympics athletes and NBA and WNBA basketball players, were coached by none other than Kyrie Irving of the Boston Celtics.

This year marks the eighth annual NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Basketball game during the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend in Charlotte, NC. Twelve Special Olympics athletes from around the globe were selected to participate in this event which provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness of Special Olympics, of the abilities of our athletes, and to share our message of unity and inclusion through sports with millions of viewers around the world.

Watch Ashley on Boston 25 News!

The NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Sports Experience is an annual event as part of NBA All-Stars. A select number of athletes from around the world compete in a Unified game alongside NBA and WNBA legends. The athletes apply to be a part of this event including a video where they talk about their experience with basketball and Special Olympics, and why they would like to be a part of this opportunity. The weekend also included basketball practices, events with the other athletes and a chance to watch the NBA All-Star game.

This Special Olympics Unified® experience combines an equal number of Special Olympics athletes (individuals with intellectual disabilities) and partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities) on teams for a 5-­‐on-­‐5 Basketball game with 10 players on each team. Each team is comprised of 4 NBA legends, WNBA players, and 6 Special Olympics athletes. The game is played for 40 minutes with two 20-­‐minute halves running time with a 10-­‐minute half-­‐time break.