Ferris State Basketball Teams Unite For Annual Special Olympics Game Thursday

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's and women's basketball teams will once again take part in an important cause as the Bulldogs team up for the 11th annual Charity Heart-to-Heart, Hand-in-Hand Special Olympics Benefit Game on Thursday (April 21) night at FSU's Jim Wink Arena.

The Bulldog squads will team up to help raise funds for the local Special Olympics program in an event endorsed as a "Great Game for a Great Cause".  Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. (ET) and admission is free with donations accepted at the door.

The FSU student-athletes will split into two competing teams made up of both Bulldog men's and women's players along with local Special Olympics Area 5 athletes.

The event dates back to 2005 and presently the Sports Careers registered student organization on the FSU campus, along with sports communication program students, promotes and organizes the event in cojunction with the Area 5 basketball athletes.

"This event is one our athletes look forward to participating in year ever year," said Pat Rosales, the director of the Mecosta-Osceola Area 5 program. "Even though the event is not held until April each year, our athletes are constantly asking if it is all set even while they're in their other sports seasons prior to basketball. They really love interacting with the Ferris State student-athletes and getting to "show off" their basketball skills to everyone in attendance."  

All donations and proceeds received from the event go to support the Special Olympics of Michigan and funds help cover expenses to send athletes, coaches and chaperones to the State Summer Games.

"Our players love playing in this game every year and being teammates with the Special Olympics athletes," said FSU men's basketball head coach Andy Bronkema. "It is a great experience for our own student-athletes as well and we enjoy taking part in this game. We invite everyone to come out and cheer both teams on."

This year's event will also include a three-point contest and dunk contest at halftime along with a raffle for a signed FSU Hockey jersey. Raffles and other fundraisers will be held to support the Area 5 athletes.

Fans are encouraged and invited to come out and support the local Special Olympics program.