Spotsy Moose Hoops Tips Off at Riverbend HS

Spotsy Moose Hoops proves that the most meaningful moments in sports aren’t just about winning. Sometimes, they’re found in the cheers after a basket, encouragement after a miss, and growing confidence with every play.

Spotsy Moose Hoops is a Spotsylvania County basketball group that gives special education students a chance to compete in 30-minute games during flex time.

The idea began with special education teacher Emily Charter. Before arriving at Riverbend, she taught at Culpeper County High School, where she was involved with the Medford League, a basketball program in Virginia that provides students with physical or intellectual disabilities with a chance to play and compete against other teams in their corresponding counties.

Charter’s students competed and loved the experience so much that they wanted to bring this program to Spotsylvania County.

“We decided we wanted to try to do it in Spotsy and wanted to play teams in our own district," Charter said.

Turning that idea into reality was no small feat. Charter had to secure permission, funding, sponsors, volunteers, and invite other schools to participate.

Local Moose Lodge 1655 donated $10,000 to Riverbend to obtain the jerseys and equipment needed to launch Spotsy Moose Hoops.

“When local businesses invent inclusive school programs, they are investing directly in students and in the heart of the community,” said Joel Zuloaga, another special education teacher at Riverbend who sponsors the Spotsy Moose Hoops. “Their support helps create opportunities for students who may not always have access to traditional activities, allowing every child to feel seen, valued, and included.”

Sophomore Adrien Picot, the head of student volunteers, saw a need for something that would bring students together.

“There was a divide, a social barrier between general education kids and special education kids,” Picot said.

Spotsy Moose Hoops breaks barriers by putting everyone on the same team. Once the game starts, only the joy of the sport matters.

“What stands out most is the joy and determination you see from everyone involved,” said Zuloaga. “The athletes bring excitement, courage, and pride every time they step onto the court, while the volunteers show incredible compassion and leadership.”

Now, the whole school cheers at the games, and the players are big stars at Riverbend. One is sophomore Lyniah Wilkinson.

"My favorite memory is playing as a team and sharing positivity," Wilkinson said. As Picot puts it, “We're all the same people at the end of the day.”