UVALDE, Texas (AP) – The smallest gesture can have a big impact.
This was reaffirmed for the San Antonio Spurs when the team held a community fair and open practice in Uvalde, Texas.
It was 137 days ago that 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 Robb Elementary.
The Spurs held an open practice Saturday at Uvalde High School in support of Robb Elementary students and those affected by that tragic day.
“It’s extremely sad,” San Antonio guard Tre Jones said. “We wish everyone could be with us, still be able to enjoy this moment. We’re just trying to bring joy to the families and all the kids who were friends with those kids who died and also help the teachers. We want to bring back a moment of happiness in their lives and try to put a smile on their faces.”
With a transformative roster filled with young players, San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich received the biggest ovation when the team took the court for a short practice. The Spurs then literally lifted up the community, lifting small children on their shoulders to bring them to the rim for a basket.
The real lift was felt off the track.
Monica Flores’ oldest daughter is still traumatized by the day’s tragedy. His daughter was in fourth grade, the same grade as those who died. Her daughter’s classroom was directly across the hall from the two adjoining rooms where the shooting took place.
“She has her moments, but we’ll never forget,” Flores said. “Sudden hands, different people who look like the shooter – she did see the shooter through her classroom window. She’s terrified of people who look like him, not that she judges, but that people it’s (looks similar), and it’s just scary.”
Flores’ daughter is afraid to leave her home. He is afraid of certain situations. But that was put to rest for a few hours, thanks to the Spurs.
Flores’ daughter looked forward to Saturday afternoon when she heard the Spurs were coming to Uvalde just to see him and the other kids at Robb Elementary.
Dressed in the Manu Ginobili jersey her uncle bought her a few years ago, Flores’ daughter and the crowd were both surprised and delighted to see the Spurs’ hall of fame guard in attendance. Now a special adviser to the Spurs, Ginobili spent the entire event signing autographs and taking photos with attendees.
Flores’ daughter sprinted straight to Ginobili at midcourt when it was her group’s turn to take the court and meet the players.
And just like hundreds of fans have for more than a decade, Flores’ daughter was delighted as she posed with Ginòbili.
“I’m so glad I got to experience this with Manu,” Flores said.
The feeling was mutual for the Spurs.
“It’s really big for me to be able to come out here and see the kids smile,” San Antonio offensive tackle Keldon Johnson said. “We know it has been hard. If we can just come out here and bring some cheer, it’s going to be a successful day for us.”
The tragedy of May 24th is something the Uvalde community will never get over, but they are trying to get over it.
“Tomorrow, on the court and off the court, we’re going to fly,” said Dr. Kara Allen, Spurs’ chief impact officer. “We do the work and we will fly, but today, today is just to have fun. So, on behalf of the brilliant humans on the court and the brilliant humans that you are, thank you for letting us choose to only have joy with you today.”
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