CHARLESTON, Ill. (WAND) - A relationship built years ago is now bringing people with disabilities together to learn the game of basketball.

Eastern Illinois Head Men's Basketball Coach Marty Simmons met Beautiful Lives Co-Founder Bryce Weiler when he was coaching at the University of Evansville, and while Bryce was a student.

"He used to come over to my office every day," Simmons said. "He wanted to go in and shoot free throws, and we just built a terrific relationship."

Weiler has been blind his whole life.

Eventually, Simmons offered to let Weiler sit on the bench during games.

"Sitting on the Evansville bench, I was able to be surrounded by people who believed in me, I was able to experience college basketball, and I realized the power that athletics have to bring people together,"

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