TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) — Tift County High School held Legends Day on Wednesday, honoring students with disabilities by allowing them to play in a basketball game in front of their peers.

The Blue team defeated the opposing squad 23-22 in the game organized by Tift County girls basketball coach Julie Connors and her staff.

“Listen, this is one of my favorite days of the year. These kids have my heart,” Connors said. “It started with a Legends game for football. Coach Dean did that several years ago and then whenever he left, Ms. Gibbs had the idea, hey, why don’t we do a basketball game?”

Connors said she approached Ms. Gore with the idea, and Ms. Gibbs, Ms. Brown and Ms. Collins helped organize the event.

“These kids love it. They are the greatest. They work hard every day and I am so proud of them,” Connors said. “Y’all got to see a glimpse of what we see every day. They are such an inspiration. They’re so much fun.”

Students practice for weeks ahead of game

Staff members said the students prepare extensively for the game.

“They have so much fun. I mean, this is what they do. They love sports. They love to get their energy out. They practice for this. They go home and talk about it,” a staff member said. “We hear about it for weeks on the end. They’re so excited about the basketball game.”

The event allows students with disabilities to participate in school activities alongside their peers.

“We do it to be included. We do it because the kids want to be a part of our school. We want to be Blue Devils,” a staff member said.

Connors said the event may have identified future talent for the varsity program.

“I think we’re recruiting some basketball stars for the varsity team today. They did a great job. We’re so proud,” Connors said.

Students showcased their skills throughout the game. Layton made multiple three-point shots, while Austin hit back-to-back three-pointers that helped secure the Blue team’s victory. Evan also scored for the Blue squad.

Current Tift County varsity players participated by facilitating the game, grabbing rebounds and passing to the Legends Day participants.

After the game, students expressed enthusiasm about the event.

“So much fun,” one student said, adding that shooting was her favorite part of the game.

Students ended the celebration with their team chant: “Go Big Blue.”

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