KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — For 11 years now, the Sexton family—along with a trusty network of sponsors and volunteers—has hosted the annual “Hoops For Hope” event in West Knoxville to benefit the Down Syndrome Awareness Group of East Tennessee. And for 11 years, Tennessee’s men’s and women’s basketball teams have played a big role in the event.
The Vols and Lady Vols were back in action on the hardwood at Knoxville Christian School on Saturday, sharing their love of basketball with individuals living with Down Syndrome. The UT contingent spent the morning assisting with basketball drill stations and also coordinating full-court games during which efforts were made to ensure that every participant had the opportunity to make a basket.
“We love coming out, and we love giving back,” Vols junior Lamonte Turner said. “We have great relationships with these people, and by now I know pretty much all of their names. This is my fourth year (helping at Hoops For Hope). It’s just awesome—we love doing this.”
After the games were finished, the longstanding tradition of a mid-court dance-off commenced.
“We like to get out in the community as much as we can,” Lady Vols senior Meme Jackson said. “For us to come here and volunteer is a great feeling. We love the spirit that everyone has here, and we just look forward to having fun with them.”
Hoops For Hope has long been one of the Tennessee basketball teams’ favorite community outreach events each year, and chances are high that the Vols and Lady Vols will be back at the event for year No. 12 next summer.
“It means a lot to us,” Jackson added.
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