Nearly 30 adaptive athletes learn basketball skills in Phoenix thanks to Suns/Mercury Foundation

About 30 adults with physical and intellectual disabilities had the opportunity to learn basic basketball skills at an event in Phoenix on Saturday.

The adaptive athletes developed motor skills, self-confidence, independence and social connections through a modified curriculum designed for them to learn basketball fundamentals.

Adding to the experience, the players were surprised by the Phoenix Suns Gorilla during the event at Ability360 Indoor Basketball Courts.

The event was part of an adaptive and inclusive basketball program that started in 2025 and has hosted seven in-person clinics with Ability360’s adaptive coaches.

A grant from the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation made the program possible, which is part of United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Central Arizona’s adaptive and inclusive experiences initiative.

UCP helps adults with motor and developmental disabilities learn adaptive basketball, interact with professional athletes and coaches and gives them the ability to bond with their peers.

Related

37 years later, DNA technology identifies man killed by train in ArizonaSAFE Alert canceled after 85-year-old man located in TucsonSAFE Alert issued for 72-year-old woman possibly last seen in AvondaleUMOM approved to begin construction on 192-unit affordable housing complexWoman hospitalized, 2 in custody after gun sale leads to shooting outside Mesa Bass Pro ShopsArizona’s ‘Queen of the South’ drug trafficker sentenced to 17 years in prison