CHARLESTON, Ill. (WAND) - A relationship built years ago is now bringing people with disabilities together to learn the game of basketball.
Eastern Illinois Head Men's Basketball Coach Marty Simmons met Beautiful Lives Co-Founder Bryce Weiler when he was coaching at the University of Evansville, and while Bryce was a student.
"He used to come over to my office every day," Simmons said. "He wanted to go in and shoot free throws, and we just built a terrific relationship."
Weiler has been blind his whole life.
Eventually, Simmons offered to let Weiler sit on the bench during games.
"Sitting on the Evansville bench, I was able to be surrounded by people who believed in me, I was able to experience college basketball, and I realized the power that athletics have to bring people together," Weiler said.
Now, he makes it his life's work to bring people with disabilities together through sports.
For Simmons, the day had a deeper meaning, extending far past his relationship with Bryce.
"I have a daughter, Brittany. She's 38," Simmons said. "She had cardiac arrest in her sleep. She lost her short-term memory, she can't walk, and she's blind as well. Like Bryce, she inspires me and my family every day."
This was the third year EIU basketball has hosted the Beautiful Lives Project. It has also been involved with the school's football program.
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