HAMPTON — After years of having to use other schools’ facilities, the Clayton Eagles adaptive sports team finally got a home to call their own this school year.
The Eagle’s Nest gym opened this school year at Clayton County Public Schools Central Office South — the old Lovejoy Middle School — in Hampton.
“It’s an honor,” Clayton Eagles wheelchair basketball player Edward Rhone said. “We work very hard, always wanted our own gym and I’m glad the county has allowed us to come to Lovejoy Middle and make it our home. It’s just a beautiful thing. I’m glad about it.”
With the team being displaced for several years, Clayton Eagles head coach coach Sebastian Tillman said there were quite a few challenges but the Eagles are now enjoying their new home.
“For the kids to finally have somewhere that they can call home — it makes everyone feel good,” Tillman said. “Just the support and everyone showing the love this year, the kids really deserve it.”
Clayton County Public Schools has offered adaptive sports for more than 20 years, CCPS Director of the Department of Exceptional Students and Area Coordinator Trina Smith said.
“The facility and the dedication of the Board (of Education) and our school district now has been amazing,” Smith said. “The team has been playing for a long time and it’s awesome to finally get this recognition and support so that we can really build our team out.”
The program was discontinued for a time because of a lack of players but it was restarted about 10 years ago, Smith said.
“Our goal is not done,” Smith said. “We want to be able to have a varsity and a junior varsity team for every sport. So we still have to recruit more players and get out there and get some more work done.”
The Eagles have most recently used the Michelle Obama STEM Elementary Academy’s gym for…
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