Men's Basketball Spreads Holiday Cheer

Dec. 22, 2016

HARTFORD, Conn. - The University of Connecticut men's basketball team continued a tradition on Tuesday as they visited families and children in Hartford to spread some holiday cheer. The UConn team for years has visited people in Hartford at the holiday season for years, dating back to the early days of Jim Calhoun's coaching career.

Head coach Kevin Ollie and his team spent time at the Northwest Boys & Girls Club in Hartford and did a number of activities there, including signing autographs, having a pizza party and distributing gifts, including UConn blankets, Husky tree ornaments and toys.

"Growing and giving are the most central things in life," said Ollie. "We've got 100 families represented, a lot of kids are showing a lot of energy and our guys love it. I do it for the players, too, to let them know it's not all about basketball and they have just as much fun as the young kids do."

Coach Ollie and several members of the team also addressed the entire group and then played basketball and games.

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin also stopped by to visit and spoke at the event.

The event was made possible in part by the Hartford law firm of RisCassi & Davis and Big Y.

University of Connecticut Athletics

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