All players pose for a group shot at Saturday’s first 5-on-5 basketball tournament at Oak Park-River Forest. | Courtesy of Mike Carmody.
Members of the boys and girls basketball teams at Oak Park-River Forest held the school’s first 5-on-5 basketball tournament Saturday combining the varsity teams with the school’s Special Olympics program.
The outing’s theme, “One Day. One Team.,” was created by Caroline Kelty and Biz Mullins, members of the school’s girls varsity team.
A special guest playing for the Pink Team was OPRF graduate and New York Knicks first-round draft choice Iman Shumpert, who entertained the crowd with alley-oop dunks from Special Olympics players. After the tournament, a pizza party was held for all the participants.
The event was created by OPRF Special Education teacher Mike Carmody, who also co-founded Opportunity Knocks, a River Forest-based service and support organization for developmentally disabled individuals older than 22 years old.
Co-organizers were varsity assistant girls basketball coach J.P Coughlin and varsity boys basketball coach Matt Maloney.
“Today was truly one day and one team,” Maloney said. “Saturday was less about basketball and more about some of our prospective players building relationships with students in the building that they don’t come in contact with on a daily basis. The day was truly special for all involved. I hope these new found friendships continue to blossom.”
Knicks draft choice Iman Shumpert (third from left) joins the Pink Team. The tournament theme co-creator is Caroline Kelty (far right). Shumpert tweeted: “Today I visited OPRF to play with Special Olympics Team… they get after it!!! Had a GREAT TIME!!”
Photos from other teams at the tournament
