Nuggets star Jamal Murray took to the hardwood on Tuesday not as a player but as a coach. He surprised the students at North Middle School for a one-on-one basketball game against Aurora Hills Middle School.
Inclusive sport is a collaborative approach to creating opportunities for students with and without disabilities to participate in school sports.
“It’s a lot of fun, obviously, whenever I get to play basketball and smile at the kids,” Murray told Kelly Werthman of CBS News Colorado.
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And perhaps no smile was bigger than the one that spread across the face of Felipe Avalos. The North 8th grader cheered as Murray entered the middle school, but the crowd erupted when Felipe danced onto the court.
“It’s a lot of fun and we have a great time together,” said Jonathan Avalos, who plays alongside his brother.
Felipe is a student with disabilities, but Murray quickly noticed that the 8th grader has incredible skills on the court.
“Man, just give the ball to Felipe and get out of the way,” Murray said with a laugh.
In this game, it’s not about winning or losing. The student-athletes say it’s all about having fun.
“It also made me happy to see all the people enjoying it,” said Amy Bossy, an 8th grader at North Middle School.
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However, Aurora Public Schools won big when UCHealth donated $5,000 to support all unified sports in the district. Murray kept the surprises coming when he matched the donation himself.
“I want to help as best I can and I want to see what’s best for the kids and inspire. That’s my main thing,” Murray explained. “I hope they see me doing this and one day, when they grow up, they’ll recognize the importance of it and do it too.”
APS said the generous donation will be used to purchase equipment for all unified sports.