For five local Special Olympians, Sunday, Jan. 13, was a special occasion in Chapel Hill.

The five athletes were invited to attend the 10th annual Carolina Clinic for Special Olympics athletes held at the Dean Smith Center on the campus of UNC. The clinic was hosted by coach Roy Williams and the school's basketball team.

Attending from Moore County were Mitchell McLeod, Michael McLeod, John Ray, Steven Youngblood and Antonio McClain.

The group was chaperoned by Edna McNeil, who works with the Succeed program at Sandhills Community College.

Only the athletes and chaperones were allowed on the court, although family members could attend and sit in the stands.

The Tar Heel players led the participants through a series of drills, including stretching, dribbling, passing, shooting and defense.

Then three Special Olympians would team up with two UNC players to form teams that played five-on-five against other teams. The clinic ended with an autograph session that allowed the players to have posters signed by all the UNC players and coaches.

A special highlight this year was the Carolina Basketball Museum. Normally closed on Sundays, the museum was opened for all in attendance, including family, to visit.