April 10, 2025

Ferris State basketball squads team up for 19th annual Special Olympics game on April 15

The Ferris State University men's and women's basketball teams will support an important cause as the Bulldogs team up for the 19th annual Charity Heart-to-Heart, Hand-in-Hand Unified Special Olympics Benefit Game on Tuesday, April 15.

The Bulldog squads are raising funds for the local Special Olympics program in an event endorsed as a "Great Game for a Great Cause." Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Jim Wink Arena, 210 Sports Drive. Admission is free with donations accepted at the door.

The Ferris State student-athletes will split into two competing teams made up of both Bulldog men's and women's players along with local Special Olympics Area 5 athletes. Ferris State basketball head coaches Andy Bronkema and Kurt Westendorp will serve as coaches for the two squads.

This will be the 19th time that the game will be played in front of the Ferris State fans. The event is sponsored by Ferris State’s Sports Communication Program. All proceeds will go to the Area 5 Special Olympians.

Along with the basketball game, spectators will have the opportunity to enjoy activities throughout the night.

The event has served as a way for the Area 5 Special Olympians, who often attend Ferris State athletic events, to interact and join the players on the court and be part of a team. It gives Special Olympians an opportunity to be in the spotlight and play alongside the Bulldog athletes they watch and follow all season long.

"Our players love playing in this game every year and being teammates with the Special Olympics athletes," Bronkema said. "It is a great experience for our own student-athletes as well and we enjoy taking part in this game. We invite everyone to come out and cheer both teams on."

Special Olympics is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to build self-confidence and social skills through sports.