SIDNEY — Though the pandemic limited the opportunities for everyone, a forced new way of life can become a chance to work on new things.

That’s where an idea for a basketball camp for people with disabilities started. What began as an informal conversation between Shelby County Board of DD staff member Jessica Guillozet and Sidney varsity girls basketball coach Jamal Foster turned into a two-day basketball skills academy featuring over 15 coaches and several more helpers volunteering their time.

Tom Clark, of the Midwest Regional Educational Services Center, worked fast to recruit volunteers and coordinate the camp. The event was hosted by Sidney boys and girls basketball programs.

It was held at Sidney High School on May 2-3 from 6 to 8 p.m. Though the event was hosted in Sidney, both the coaches and athletes with disabilities will be from all over Shelby County and beyond.

Johnathan Stewart, 13, of Sidney, son of Tim and Bridget Stewart, shoots the ball during a basketball camp at the Sidney Middle School on Sunday, May 2.

https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2021/05/web1_DSC_0913-1.jpgJohnathan Stewart, 13, of Sidney, son of Tim and Bridget Stewart, shoots the ball during a basketball camp at the Sidney Middle School on Sunday, May 2.

Mary Swank, far left, practices passing the ball to Bill Mann, as Raelyn Jones, center, 9, all of Sidney, watches the ball during a basketball camp at the Sidney Middle School on Sunday, May, 2. The event was organized by Tom Clark and the idea was generated by Sidney varsity girls basketball coach Jamal Foster and Shelby County Board of DD staff Jessica Guillozet.

https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2021/05/web1_SDN050421BballCamp-1.jpgMary Swank, far left, practices passing the ball to Bill Mann, as Raelyn Jones, center, 9, all of Sidney, watches the ball during a basketball camp at the Sidney Middle School on Sunday, May, 2. The event was organized by Tom Clark and the idea was generated by Sidney varsity girls basketball coach Jamal Foster and Shelby County Board of DD staff Jessica Guillozet.