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On Wednesday, the Minnesota Lynx were joined by a very special guest. Fourteen-year-old Ariya Smith visited the Lynx's afternoon practice as a part of the Make-a-Wish program. ESPN also made an appearance at practice to document the event.
Maya Moore joined by a special guest @ #Lynx practice! 14yr old Ariya Smith joining team thx to @ESPN & @MakeAWish. pic.twitter.com/bTY91FEFCN
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) June 10, 2015
According to coach Cheryl Reeve, Maya Moore worked with Make-A-Wish to invite Smith to Minneapolis and participate in team activities.
The Lynx involved Smith with several practice activities, including huddling up with the team and running some drills.
"It's a really special time to connect [Maya and Ariya]," Reeve said after practice. "Ariya's a part of the team."
Moore enjoyed the experience immensely, and she expressed her feelings about giving Smith this type of opportunity:
"The time that we can have just to kind of talk and hang out and get the all-around experience of just having her be a part of something that she's watched from afar and that's watched and appreciated [...]. I'm sure there will be a few moments still to come that will leave an impact on her."
To hear the full sound byte from today's practice and more about Smith's visits, listen here: