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Current and former NBA All-Stars gather for yearly Special Olympics game

By Chris Barnewall

Jan 22, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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One of the more under reported parts of the NBA All-Star weekend is the incredible community work that takes place in the city around the glitzy events. One of the ways the NBA does this is with an annual Special Olympics basketball game.

"“We’re thrilled to bring the NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified® Basketball Game to New Orleans for the second time,” said NBA Senior Vice President, Social Responsibility Todd Jacobson. “This unified game highlights the power of basketball to break down barriers and bring people together in fun and rewarding ways.”"

The game will feature multiple current and former NBA stars, with Stephen Curry tipping off for the second year in a row. Honorary coaches include the Charlotte Hornets Frank Kaminsky, Philadelphia 76ers Dario Saric, ESPN’s Rachel Nichols, New Orleans Pelicans Buddy Hield, Los Angeles Lakers Brandon Ingram, and Phoenix Suns Marquese Chriss. NBA legends such as Horace Grant, John Starks, Dikembe Mutumbo and Muggsy Bogues will be involved along with recent WNBA Finals MVP Candace Parker and the Washington Mystics Elena Delle Donne.

The entire NBA family is coming together for this event and afterwards the 12 Special Olympians participating will get to meet NBA and WNBA players while attending the main events of All-Star weekend.

Read the full press release about the event here

"“For the last six years, our athletes have had a unique opportunity to compete alongside NBA and WNBA players on a world stage, showcasing their skills and talents and forever changing the perceptions that exist for people with intellectual disabilities,” said Mary Davis, CEO, Special Olympics. “Our long-standing partners at the NBA are true believers in unified sports and we are incredibly thankful to their generous support of this sixth annual NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified® Basketball Game.”"

Next: NBA All-Star Weekend 2017: Complete schedule

Events like this create memories that last forever and good on the NBA for making it a part of their huge weekend. Hopefully the players and legends involved are getting just as much out of it as the Special Olympians are.

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