Dec. 15, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. –
The South Carolina men’s and women’s basketball teams took time out of their practice schedule Sunday afternoon to celebrate with several kids from the local Boys and Girls Club with a Christmas party at the basketball practice facility.

The team members played basketball with the estimated 25 children for approximately half an hour before players from each team introduced their respective teammates. Everyone got a special treat thereafter as Santa Claus himself made an appearance to help the Gamecocks distribute gifts to the children in attendance. The teams then ate dinner and mingled with the kids.

This is the eighth year that the Columbia Tip-Off Club has partnered with the Boys and Girls Club to sponsor this party.

South Carolina’s basketball teams return to action Tuesday night with a men’s and women’s doubleheader at Colonial Life Arena. The women tip things off at 5:30 p.m. with a contest against USC Upstate, and the men follow at 8 p.m. with a televised matchup against North Carolina Central.