WNBA Star To Practice With New Trier Special Olympians

On Tuesday, Special Olympians from New Trier High School will work on their basketball skills with 2013 WNBA Rookie of the Year winner Elena Delle Donne from the Chicago Sky, according to a school press release. 

About 100 students—special Olympians and their peer helpers—will be on hand for this event from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at New Trier.

New Trier’s Special Olympics program has grown over the last decade from 13 athletes and a handful of peer helpers to almost 50 athletes and more than 100 peer coaches. 

Peer coaches volunteer one of their free periods each day to work with Special Olympians in the classroom and develop friendships. The peers also raise money to send the Special Olympians to the state track meet in June and host monthly activities such as dances or miniature golf outings. 

The athletes compete in volleyball, basketball and track tournaments.

Elena Delle Donne, the second overall pick in the 2013 WNBA draft, achieved numerous awards during her rookie season with the Sky. In addition to Rookie of the Year, she also earned the fan vote at the 2013 WNBA All-Star game, becoming the first rookie to capture that honor. 

She finished the 2013 season as the league leader in free throws, shooting 92.9%. She also ranked second in three-point percentage (.438), fourth in points per game (18.1) and fifth in blocks per game (1.80). 

Supporting students with special needs is something close to Delle Donne’s heart; her older sister, Lizzie was born blind and deaf with cerebral palsy and autism.

During this event, Delle Donne will work with the students on their shooting skills, answer their questions and sign autographs. 

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