Unified Sports Day Basketball Tournament

FGCU Ice Hockey Club Joins Unified Athletes Basketball Event for Day of Fun and Community
Estero, FL – March 29, 2025

This past weekend, the FGCU Ice Hockey Club swapped their skates for sneakers as they joined the Unified Athletes basketball event at Florida Gulf Coast University. The event brought together volunteers and athletes of all abilities for a day full of energy, teamwork, and meaningful connections.

Hosted in partnership with Unified Sports, the event focused on inclusion by pairing individuals with and without intellectual disabilities on the same basketball teams. FGCU hockey players volunteered to help coach, play, and connect with the athletes. The gym was full of laughter, cheers, and high-fives all day long.

“It was incredible to see the athletes' faces light up when they put on their jerseys,” said one player. “It really meant a lot to have them there.”

Fifteen players from the FGCU Ice Hockey Club each volunteered four hours of their time, contributing a combined total of 60 hours to the event. For the players, it was a chance to give back to the community that supports them. Many said it was one of the best parts of their semester — a fun and inspiring experience.

“It was amazing to step into a different kind of game and just focus on having fun with the athletes,” said another player. “There was so much joy in the room, and we were just lucky to be part of it.”

The day ended with cheers, photos, and plenty of smiles. The team’s involvement showed their dedication not just to hockey, but to building community and making a difference through sport.