Inside the fieldhouse at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus, over 400 participants of all ages competed in football activities at the Browns third annual football clinic in association with Special Olympics Ohio.
Athletes from 23 schools that are a part of Special Olympics Ohio, as well as Special Olympics chaperones, 60 volunteers – including 34 local college students and staff members from the Browns and Special Olympics – were all in attendance for a day centered around the inclusivity that football provides.
"We focus on advancing the game through equitable access and ensuring that all athletes who want to play the game of football have the opportunity to play," Browns youth football manager Hannah Lee said. "Providing this once-in-a-lifetime experience for athletes to come out, be in the Browns facility, connect with players and have fun while doing it means everything to us."
The Browns and Special Olympics Ohio aim to foster an inclusive environment where individuals with intellectual disabilities can engage in sports, develop their skills and enjoy the game of football. By creating this type of space, it helps provide opportunities for individuals to participate in sports and enhance their physical, social and psychological well-being.
With stations set up around the fieldhouse, participants practiced their passing and catching, as well as went through running and defensive drills and competed in non-contact flag football drills. Members of the Browns were also in attendance to help foster a fun environment, including DT Maurice Hurst II, LB Nathaniel Watson, DT Ralph Holley, TE Tre' McKitty and LB Khaleke Hudson, as well as Browns alumni in John Hughes and Greg Pruitt. Together, they helped run different drills and interacted with the participants as they competed throughout the day.
"We are incredibly thankful to the multiple players and alumni who took the time to not only attend the clinic but also be hands-on with the athletes," Lee said. "We're grateful for our strong partnership with Special Olympics Ohio. Hosting clinics like this is a reminder that football is for everyone, and it gives our players the opportunity to come out, show their support and, most importantly, have fun."
A Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
Special Olympics Play Football Clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on January 30, 2025.
