WASHINGTON - Georgetown University Women's Basketball Head Coach Natasha Adair was one of a small group of attendees at a gala Monday evening, sponsored by Special Olympics and the University. The event, held in Copley Formal Lounge was a dinner and panel discussion on the question "Does Sport Change Humanity?".

"I was honored to sit alongside such a distinguished group of people," said Adair. "These people have stories and have made sacrifices. They are people who deserve and have earned the right to be given a chance."

Following welcomes from Georgetown's Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Christopher Augostini and Dr. Timothy Shriver, the chairman of Special Olympics, each table was asked a series of questions to discuss during dinner. The questions focused on how sport affects women, peace, children, faith and even socioeconomic factors. The attendees discussed the role that sport plays in the lives of people throughout the world and what is can do to bring people together.

After dinner and the conversations at the individual tables, Adair was one of four panelists to take the dais to further discuss sport and humanity. She was joined by Fr. Raymond Kemp from the Office of the President and the Department of Theology, Chief Inspirational Officer and Special Olympics Athlete Loretta Claiborne as well as Olympic Gold Medalist Donna de Varona

"The energy in the room was electric," said Adair. "I'm looking forward to partnering with Director of Athletics Lee Reed and Georgetown University on their many initiatives to support Special Olympics. This is a great opportunity for our players, our University and our community."

The evening concluded with a question and answer session with the audience and then closing remarks.

Georgetown and Special Olympics have shared a long partnership. The organization utilizes the power of sports to help people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success. The athletes find joy, confidence and fulfillment -- on the playing field and in life -- and also inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential.