7 hours ago
MOUNT VERNON — Anyone looking to fill their Friday evening with a SPECIAL EVENT need look no further than the Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Ariel Arena at 6 p.m.
“We are excited about this special event, the Knox County Special Olympics basketball team (the Eagles) challenging local celebrities,” said Talisha Beha, Knox County Special Olympics Coordinator for the Knox County Board of DD, as well as family engagement and community integration about the event.
There is no admission being charged to watch the battle, but Beha said donations would be accepted.
“We will also be selling the remaining candy bars we have and whatever shirts we have in stock will be for sale,” Beha said.
Paul McNeal, Coordinator of Development for Athletics at MVNU, and a member of the celebrity team, said he’s looking forward to the event.
“MVNU Athletics has a strong tie of supporting our DD community and the Special Olympics is a great way to assist and help in any way we can,” McNeal said.
McNeal outlined some of the ways the university assists the community.
“Knox DD is an integral part of Mount Vernon and Knox County and we are honored to be a small part,” he said. “Whether it is implementing the Bodies and Motion program, working together on a variety of projects together such as First Fridays, or hosting Special Olympics and even this celebrity basketball event.
“We are honored to be a part.”
McNeal said that his background gives him a unique insight into the special group.
“As a former intervention specialist of 22 years, I know the importance of community support and we are always looking at ways we can not only be a part of this great community, but give back to this community at every opportunity we can,” he said.
The game is being played as a part of Disability Awareness Month. Beha said that the special month is important to bring the needs of the disabled to the forefront of the collective minds of the community.
“When you make something accessible to one group, you improve the accessibility for everyone,” she said.
The remainder of the Celebrity team is Zach Thurman, Knox Community Hospital, Sarah Wheeler, Mount Vernon Police Department, J.D. Burke, Mount Vernon Fire Department, Brian Hess, Elite Preparedness, Colin Wirrig, Ariel Corporation, Josh Lopez Chevy/GM, Ethan Joihnson, Park National Bank, Thom Collier, Emerge Realty, Jared Ronai, Mount Vernon Nazarene University and maybe some surprise celebrities.
Checks and cash are preferred for purchases or donations.
