UNCW kicks off inaugural Best Buddies Dunk-O-Rama to support Special Olympics

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Two groups came together to raise money for New Hanover County Special Olympics, which has more than 700 participating athletes.

The inaugural Best Buddies Dunk-O-Rama” started Monday and will continue for the next couple of weeks.

UNCW’s Best Buddies chapter and the New Hanover County School District’s Transition Program for Young Adults are partnering together to raise money.

Skylar Spencer is with UNCW’s best buddies.

She said inclusion is a big part of the program.

“The biggest thing is that everyone deserves a friendship,” Spencer said. “Everyone deserves to have a partner that they can experience really fun things with. And that’s what TPYA, Best Buddies collaboration is all about. It’s about fostering friendships and creating an environment where everyone is welcome and accepted.”

UNCW’s women’s basketball head coach Nicole Woods was the first person to be dunked to kick off the event.

So far, they’ve raised more than $800 towards their $5,000 goal.