Free Throws for Logan, an event benefiting the Mowat-Wilson Syndrome (MWS) Foundation and Woodstock Middle School’s Special Education Department, will be held April 15 in the school’s gym. Beginning at 10 a.m., Woodstock resident Jackie Arnold will try to make 1,000 free throws in five hours, to raise awareness and funds for MWS, a very rare genetic disorder that her son, Logan, was diagnosed with in 2010.
MWS affects many parts of the body. Most Mowat-Wilson children are nonverbal, and need intense medical attention and personal care. MWS was not defined until 1998, and the physical, behavioral and developmental issues associated with the syndrome still are being discovered.
The MWS Foundation works to enhance the lives of people affected by the syndrome, by providing support, raising awareness and supporting research and education. Learn more at https://mowat-wilson.org.
The idea for Free Throws for Logan was hatched around three years ago (and was delayed due to COVID-19), when Arnold was looking for a way to put her unique free throw-shooting skills to use. She shoots at about an 88% clip, which beats 90% of college and pro basketball players.
Logan is 13 years old and will attend Woodstock Middle in the fall. Some of his favorite things to do are playing soccer and baseball, and watching lacrosse and hockey. Logan also loves basketball, especially watching his mom swish shot after shot.
Just over two decades ago, Arnold was a varsity basketball player at Roswell High School, where she was a 90% free throw shooter. To prepare for this month’s event, the 40-year-old has been practicing two to three times a week at Pure Shot Basketball in Woodstock. In early March, she was shooting at about 85%, but she is confident she can raise that percentage before April 15.
The community is invited to cheer on Arnold as she makes about 200 shots per hour. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be an opportunity for attendees to show off their shooting skills by competing in the Beat the Mom free throw contest. Then, between 2 and 3 p.m., Arnold should make her 1,000th free throw. For more details about the free event, and how to donate, visit https://bit.ly/3mlYyvF.
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