"Buddies" Participate in Annual Tournament
Charlie Marie Price
Issue date: 3/6/09 Section: News
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This describes the atmosphere on Sunday afternoon, March 1, in the Butler Blanc gym when Carson-Newman's Best Buddies group had their third annual basketball tournament against Vanderbilt. There was not only a sense of competition, but also a sense of happiness, excitement, acceptance and love.
Students involved in Best Buddies gathered in the gym along with the C-N basketball team to share an afternoon of fun and fellowship with members of Jefferson County who have intellectual disabilities.
The Best Buddies organization hosted a tournament that consisted of three games and an awards ceremony.
The C-N basketball team members were not only referees for the games, but they were also helpers during the games. Best Buddies were assisted in shooting, guarding and dribbling.
"The Buddies get so excited about the basketball games. So many of them are very talented at this sport and I know they could out play me any day," said Katy Judd, a junior communications major, who has been involved with the Best Buddies organization for two years.
"I've always had a soft spot in my heart for people with disabilities. I tutored handicapped people while I was in high school and when I found out about the Best Buddies program here at Carson-Newman, I knew it was something that I needed to be involved with," Judd said when asked about why she decided to become involved in the organization.
"[Intellectually] disabled people are people, too. So many people do not treat them the way they deserve to be treated and I am glad that I have the opportunity to make their days a little better," she said of her Best Buddy, Bill.
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