Simpson basketball teams assist with Hot Shot event
INDIANOLA - The Simpson basketball teams joined in the festivities at Simpson's Hot Shot Basketball event, held Tuesday, Jan. 25 at Cowles Fieldhouse.
Members from the men's and women's teams volunteered at the annual event, which is a cooperative effort between Simpson College and the Heartland Area Education Agency for secondary students with special needs. Participants complete 13 stations within a 75-minute time frame, performing activities such as shooting, ball handling, passing, jump roping, push-ups and sit-ups.
At the completion of the event, all participants take part in a rendition of the Cha-Cha Slide and the YMCA before the men's basketball team closes with a dunk contest.
"The energy of seeing the participants doing the same activity all around the fieldhouse is a great thing to experience," said Robin Olberding, Adapted PE Consultant at the Heartland AEA. "All participants and volunteers are winners during this event."
More than 250 participants from nine school districts within the Heartland AEA took part in this event, which has been held at Simpson for 21 years.
Olberding believes student volunteers from Simpson are vital to the success of the event.
"It is important for the Simpson students to be involved and see what great things all students can do," Olberding said. "It is not about winning as much as it is about trying. These students all attend regular public schools and as future educators, community leaders and parents, it helps Simpson students begin to accept the differences of others in a fun, high-energy event."
There are no winners declared, but a Spirit Award is given to the team showing the most enthusiasm or the team with the best cheer at the end of the event. For the participants and volunteers, it's all about having a good time.
"It is not important who wins," Olberding said. "It is important that everyone involved is having fun."
