When the UNC men’s basketball team takes on No. 6 Virginia at the Smith Center Saturday evening, it’ll have a special fan in the stands cheering it on. Phoenix Bryant, a 7-year-old boy from Morrisville living with Down Syndrome, will be in Chapel Hill as part of Dream On 3’s Dream Experience program.

Bryant was honored at DO3’s Dream Gala in January, during which Carolina forward Justin McKoy, UNC football coach Kevin Donnalley and a representative from the ACC surprised him with a weekend with the Tar Heels. The Bryant family will not only attend the game, but also receive a tour of the athletic facilities and see a shootaround with players and coaches.

The Raleigh branch of GiGi’s Playhouse, a program which supports families affected by Down Syndrome, referred the Bryants to DO3 to be considered for the Dream Experience. DO3 helps children and young adults living with life-altering conditions “realize their sports dream.”

Carolina and Virginia will tip off at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

 

Featured image via Dream On 3

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