Win or lose, a blind athlete in KOTA Territory just wants to have fun on the court.
Gerardo Delgaldillo - Torres is a basketball player on the Panhandle Special Olympics Unified Basketball's 8-12 - year - old team.
Gerardo is also blind...which makes his situation unique from the other players on the team with special needs.
Gerardo plays basketball using a peer partner.
This basketball buddy, of sorts, blocks him from balls, guides him around the court, and helps Gerardo get the ball to shoot.
To help accommodate his special needs, the basketball league has Gerardo shoot at a basket with a metal hoop that jingles so he can hear where to aim. They also have switched to playing with a ball with a bell inside for the same reason. His team mates are also instructed to clap to signal a pass.
Gerardo's mother, Sandra Torres, who needs a translator, says the Special Olympics group is invaluable to her family. "She says it's important because it raises his self esteem and his improvements are more secure and safer."
For more information about how to volunteer your time or donate, you can visit www.specialolympics.org.
