COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland men's basketball program teamed up with Special Olympics of Maryland for a day of hoops and camaraderie Thursday at the XFINITY Center.

A total of 42 athletes visited College Park to watch the Terps practice before being officially introduced to the players and coaching staff.

“Most importantly, together the University of Maryland is an exceptional team and all of us here tonight along with the 7,169 athletes from all over Maryland see you as role models,” said Michael Heup, a Special Olympic athlete whose father is a Maryland alum. “We are all athletes striving to achieve greatness. We appreciate the team taking the time to spend with us today. The Special Olympics goal is to inspire in greatness in athletes. Watching your team is an inspiration to us to work towards that goal.”

The fun continued when the players hosted a coaching clinic prior to a game featuring the Special Olympic athletes and the third-ranked Terrapins.

“I think both sides get a lot of it. It was a great day and we've got a lot of fantastic athletes out here,” head coach Mark Turgeon, whose work with the Special Olympics began as a student-athlete at Kansas, said. “It's great to know that the Special Olympic athletes look up to our guys and know who they are and follow them.  It also allows our athletes to understand how lucky they are and how blessed they are. These Special Olympic athletes really enjoy life and they made it fun out there today.”

“It was such a rewarding experience to work with these athletes, playing the game that we all love,” senior guard Rasheed Sulaimon said. “The smiles were contagious. We had a blast out there today.”

Maryland (15-2) plays host to Ohio State in Big Ten Conference action on Saturday at noon at XFINITY Center.