Meeting Carolina basketball royalty would make many people starstruck. But when 9-year-old Colburn Dean spent a weekend with the Tar Heels earlier this month, he was the star. He landed a backward trick shot during a game of H-O-R-S-E with Armando Bacot, wowed the men’s basketball team with his dance moves, and joined the Tar Heels’ locker room celebration after beating Syracuse.
Colburn, who has Down syndrome, is energetic and outgoing — a “pretty typical kid,” according to his dad. He loves sports and does well in school. And like many young sports fans in the area, he’s wild about Carolina basketball.
Colburn got the chance to meet his hoops heroes because of the UNC Dream Team, a chapter of the national nonprofit Dream on 3. These 27 Carolina students volunteer their time and raise money to make Tar Heel sports dreams come true for children with life-altering conditions.
“For Colburn, that’s just another weekend. He thinks he’s the celebrity, and everybody there is lucky to meet him,” said Andrew Dean, a Carolina alumnus, University Libraries employee, and Colburn’s father.
The UNC Dream Team works tirelessly to create unforgettable experiences for children like Colburn. They understand the power of sports and the impact it can have on the lives of these young fans. By organizing events and fundraisers, they are able to provide these children with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to interact with their favorite athletes.
Colburn’s weekend with the Tar Heels was a dream come true. It not only allowed him to meet his basketball heroes but also showcased his talents and infectious personality. The players and staff were inspired by his enthusiasm and zest for life.
The UNC Dream Team continues to make a difference in the lives of children, giving them moments of joy and memories that will last a lifetime. Through their dedication and commitment, they are proving that sports can be a powerful force for good.
Colburn Dean’s story is a reminder that dreams can come true, and sometimes, it’s the children who become the stars, even in the presence of basketball royalty.