COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The 15th-ranked Maryland men's basketball team hosted members of the Special Olympics of Maryland for its fifth annual basketball practice Tuesday afternoon at XFINITY Center.

"I did this back when I was a player at Kansas and it's always one of my favorite days of the year," said head coach Mark Turgeon. "You can see by all the smiles everybody's having a great time – both our players and the athletes."

Nearly 50 athletes attended the event according to Jim Schmutz, President and CEO of Special Olympics Maryland. In total, the Special Olympics of Maryland has more than 8,000 participants.

"On New Year's Eve there's no better way to bring in the new year than to be at XFINITY Center with the Terps," Schmutz said. "When you see Coach Turgeon as engaged as he is, it really just reinforces his program's commitment to the community. We talk about creating more inclusive communities of dignity and respect and there's no greater example of that than what happens on the floor today with the Terps. Our athletes look forward to this day every year."

It was a full day for the Terps, which held their own practice in the morning before welcoming the Special Olympics with a parade down the steps onto the court. There was no shortage of high fives and smiles throughout the afternoon.

"This is my fourth year being involved with this event and it's always a great time putting smiles on other people's faces and share some basketball skills as well," said senior Anthony Cowan Jr. "To get away from the grind of the basketball season and have a little fun is always a good time."

The Terps return to action Saturday as Big Ten Conference play resumes against Indiana at noon on FOX.