Connecticut Sun WNBA stars teamed up with The Village for Families & Children on Tuesday, April 25 to provide a one-day basketball clinic for kids in Greater Hartford to help address the children’s mental health crisis through an innovative, sports-based therapy at The Village.
The clinic gave children ages 5-14 a one-of-a-kind opportunity to hone teamwork, leadership and communication skills while learning from positive role models at Connecticut Sun: guards Nia Clouden and DiJonai Carrington and Morgan Tuck, former Connecticut Sun forward and four-time UConn women’s basketball NCAA champion, now Director of Franchise Development for The Sun.
“This sports therapy program is life-changing for children in our care, many of whom may not otherwise have an opportunity to play or engage in sports while they are healing,” said Village President and CEO Galo Rodriguez. “We are very grateful to the Connecticut Sun for giving these children this opportunity and learn valuable life skills in the process.”
The sports-based therapy is part The Village’s Extended Day Treatment after-school program, which helps kids who affected by significant trauma, including abuse, violence and other challenges. The services are provided thanks to a partnership with Doc Wayne Youth Services, ESPN and Arbella Insurance Foundation.