By Audrey Mendenhall
On Feb. 3, Dominican partnered with the National Ability Basketball League (NABL) to host an exciting basketball game.
According to the NABL website, the organization is “dedicated to pioneering equal treatment for intellectually disabled athletes by expanding available athletic opportunities.”
The different basketball leagues the organization co-partners with are specifically designed for intellectually disabled adults who have graduated from high school or transition programs and wish to continue playing basketball.
NABL also helps established programs receive more playing time by creating camps, events, and tournaments, so coaches can be with their players longer.
While most basketball leagues and programs finish playing after a single season, the NABL extends their season into year-round play.
Nick Lavere, CEO of the NABL and Dominican alumni, talked about how his younger brother, Alex, influenced him to begin the organization.
“He has driven me so much,” Lavere said. “I see the struggles that he goes through daily. He does the same thing every day in life, and he is smiling no matter what.”
Lavere talked about how the NABL’s partnership with Dominican will likely become a yearly event.
“We are really grateful for all the support Dominican has given us as well as the athletes who came out to support us,” he said.
The game itself was a close one. Two West DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) teams, red vs. white, were full of high-spirited and competitive athletes, including Alex, who was playing for team red.
Multiple team white players hit threes including a half-court shot buzzer beater to end the first quarter.
During the last four minutes of the game, team red ended up pulling ahead in the fourth quarter by going on a 15-3 run.
Team red secured their win over team white by closing out a tense and exciting game with a 41-27 score.
From dance parties during timeouts to a hyped student section, this game was one to remember.
Dominican students and other athletic teams including Stunt & Cheer, the Starlettes Dance Team, men’s basketball, who helped facilitate the game under Coach Troy Tonsil, and women’s basketball were loud and proud to support these athletes in the stands.
Andrea Cook, a team red player, said she has been participating in the games for three years, but stated that she still gets nervous when playing.
“It is a big school, but I just play to have fun,” she said. “There’s no drama. If I make a mistake, I shake it off like Taylor Swift.”
Cook also wants Dominican athletes to play fair but have fun and win as many games as possible.
If students are interested in donating or volunteering with NABL, please visit www.abilitybasketball.com.
