EUGENE, Ore. -- Returning to a long-standing tradition for the first time in four years, the Bushnell men's and women's basketball teams spent their Sunday afternoon putting on a hoop's clinic for Special Olympics.

The event drew some familiar faces from Bushnell's most loyal fan base. For 90 minutes, the athletes participated with and alongside the Beacon rosters, and the event had as much impact on the players and coaches as it did on the participants.

Men's Head Coach Eddie Alexander said, "It was a great opportunity for our team to interact with a group of individuals who cheer us on every weekend. Everyone had a smile on their face yesterday and had a great time running drills and joking around. I am so proud of the young men in our program and how they embraced the opportunity to give back."

Women's Head Coach Chad Meadors said, "It is amazing to see the smiles, unconditional care and appreciation our friends have and how much it impacts our players. It is truly heartwarming. I love how basketball provides the opportunity for relationships to be built."

Coach Alexander added "Our Special Olympics program locally is very active and supportive of the Beacons. Their athletes are a group of individuals who show God's love in their interaction with our teams, and I believe impact our lives more than we impact theirs. It was truly a blessing to be a part of the clinic yesterday and we look forward to getting back to our annual tradition moving forward."