TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – As laughter, cheers and smiles filled the practice gymnasium for the Indiana State University men’s basketball team, Bryce Weiler was filled with joy watching people with disabilities on field.
“Enabling people with disabilities to have these experiences is important because it shows them that when you surround yourself with someone who believes in you, you can do anything you want in your life,” said the Beautiful co-founder. Lives. Project said.
The organization was founded in 2017 and strives to provide people with the same life-changing opportunity Weiler had ten years ago when he was in school. He helped out with the University of Evansville men’s basketball team.
“I explained to [fellow co-founder Anthony Iacovone] how sitting on the men’s basketball bench at the University of Evansville changed my life, when Marty Simmons was the coach and allowed me to sit on the bench, and how I wanted to help people with disabilities to have their own life-changing moments and opportunities to experience the sport,” he said.
Weiler’s goal is to partner with other Terre Haute sports teams and programs. His first stop was working alongside Sycamore head coach Josh Schertz to organize the event.
“I emailed Coach Schertz and explained to him that I would like to do this type of program with his team,” Weiler said. “I’ve been friends with Coach Schertz since April 2021, it just took us a little while to put that together.”
Participants worked alongside Sycamore players on a number of dribbling, passing and shooting drills. Practice ended with a full match on the pitch.
Senior ISU player Cooper Neese said it was an experience he won’t soon forget.
“It’s a special day. I’ve been doing it for a few years down here now down here, and to be able to be a part of their life in some way is a blessing to me, and I know that it’s a blessing to our team, we love it, we appreciate it, we love every individual that comes and does this with us,” he said.
Neese said her favorite part was seeing the smiles on attendees’ faces.
“It leaves me speechless to be able to go out and watch them,” he said. “Just so I can see them smile and enjoy the day. When they come here with a smile on their face, it feels really, really good.
Weiler said they will continue to do so at least once a year, and he hopes to work with other local sports teams and programs to offer similar events.
He said it was something he would never tire of.
“I would do this as many days a year as people wanted.”
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