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Uwald, Texas — The smallest gesture can make a huge difference.
The San Antonio Spurs confirmed it again when they held an open practice and community rally in Uwald, Texas.
137 days ago, the small town, 88 miles southwest of downtown San Antonio, was the scene of an elementary school shooting. On May 24, 19 children and two teachers were killed in a shooting at Rob Elementary School.
The Spurs held an open practice Saturday at Uwald High School to support students at Rob Elementary School and those affected by that tragic day.
“It’s very sad,” San Antonio guard Three Jones Say. “We want everyone to be with us and still be able to enjoy this moment. We just want to bring joy to the families and all the children who befriended the dead children and to help the teachers. We want to bring joy to their lives again Come happy moments and try to put a smile on their faces.”
With a transformative lineup of young players, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich got the loudest applause when the team took the field for a short practice session. The Spurs then literally lifted the community, lifting toddlers over their shoulders to get them closer to the rim.
The real height is felt off the field.
It’s understandable that Monica Flores’ eldest daughter is still traumatized by the tragedy of the day. Her daughter was in fourth grade, like those who died. Her daughter’s classroom is directly across from the two adjoining rooms where the shooting took place.
“She had her moments, but we’ll never forget,” Flores said. “Sudden hand, different people who looked like a shooter – she did see the shooter from the classroom window. She was horrified by the people who looked like him, not her judging but the people (looks alike) and it was very horrible.”
Flores’ daughter is afraid to leave home. She is afraid of certain situations. But thanks to the Spurs, that was put on hold for a few hours.
Flores’ daughter was eagerly looking forward to hearing that the Spurs had come to Uwald just to see her and the other kids at Rob Elementary School on Saturday afternoon.
Flores’ daughter and crowd were both surprised and delighted to see the Spurs Hall of Famer in attendance, wearing the Manu Ginobili jersey her uncle bought for her a few years ago. Now a special advisor to the Spurs, Ginobili has been signing autographs and posing for photos with attendees throughout the event.
Flores’ daughter sprinted Manu Ginobili directly in midfield, and it was her group’s turn to take the field to meet the players.
As hundreds of fans have done for over a decade, Flores’ daughter smiled gleefully as she posed for a photo with Manu Ginobili.
“I’m so happy she’s going through this with Manu,” Flores said.
The feeling is mutual for the Spurs.
“Being able to come here and see the smiles of the kids means a lot to me,” the San Antonio forward said. Keldon Johnson Say. “We know it’s tough. If we can come here and bring a little joy, it’s a successful day for us.”
The tragedy of May 24 is something the Uvalde community will never be able to overcome, but they are trying to get through it.
“Tomorrow, on and off the court, we’re going to fly,” said Dr. Carla Allen, Spurs chief impact officer. “We’ll do the job, we’ll fly, but today, today, is just about being happy. So, on behalf of the great human being on the pitch and you, the great human being, thank you for making us choose to be happy with you today.”
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