Denver Nuggets Host Special Olympics Basketball Clinic

NBA players coach and compete alongside over 100 Special Olympics athletes at Ball Arena

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Denver Nuggets traded their regular practice routine for a special occasion on Tuesday, joining approximately 100 Special Olympics athletes from across Colorado at Ball Arena. Led by stars Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, Bruce Brown, and Peyton Watson, the professional players spent time coaching and competing alongside these athletes in a unique basketball clinic designed to motivate and connect with the next generation.

Why it matters

The event highlighted the power of sports to unite communities and inspire the next generation. By engaging directly with Special Olympics athletes, the Nuggets players were able to provide a memorable experience and reinforce the importance of inclusion and community involvement through basketball.

The details

The enthusiasm on the court was mutual, with both the young athletes and Nuggets players clearly enjoying the experience. The Special Olympics athletes traveled from all parts of Colorado to participate, making this gathering a meaningful celebration of sport, inclusion, and encouragement.

  • The event took place on Tuesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Nikola Jokic

A star player for the Denver Nuggets.

Aaron Gordon

A star player for the Denver Nuggets.

Bruce Brown

A star player for the Denver Nuggets.

Peyton Watson

A star player for the Denver Nuggets.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's great! They put a smile on your face, for sure. It's amazing the energy they have and how happy they are and they're living in the moment,”

— Nikola Jokic (theconwaybulletin.com)

“Just the opportunity and how much the kids enjoy basketball and the chance to be in the NBA arena and play with NBA players, I think it's really special,”

— Aaron Gordon (theconwaybulletin.com)

“The game is amazing, but you use the game as a tool to inspire kids to inspire the next generation of people who want to do it and have aspirations to do it as well, and I think the outreach to the community just means so much,”

— Peyton Watson (theconwaybulletin.com)

The takeaway

The Denver Nuggets' Special Olympics basketball clinic demonstrated the power of sports to bring communities together, inspire the next generation, and promote inclusion and diversity. By directly engaging with Special Olympics athletes, the Nuggets players were able to create a memorable experience that reinforced the positive impact of basketball beyond the court.