Basketball players from Nouvel Catholic Central and Frankemuth gave back to their respective communities Feb. 16 by hosting a wheelchair basketball game. They partnered with the Special Olympics to benefit Elizabeth Kischnick in honor of her twin brother Zachary, who passed away in his sleep on Jan. 7, 2014, at the age of 18. 

Zachary and Elizabeth were both born prematurely and are special needs children. Mitchell Kischnick is a current athlete on the Frankenmuth varsity basketball team, and his brother Zachary was his biggest fan.

The twins were born Feb. 21, 1995, the first children of Earl and Karolynn Kischnick. Then Mitchell and Madison were born, and Team Kischnick was formed. Madison and Mitchell are both standout athletes at Frankenmuth High School. 

Nouvel coach Joe Jacobs heard of what happened and knew there had to be something he could do to help the Kischnicks and to celebrate Zachary’s life. Jacobs was the Frankenmuth junior varsity coach last season, and Mitchell Kischnick was one of his players.

Both teams spent a month before the game looking for sponsors for the wheelchair basketball game, which also included a silent auction and other ways spectators could enjoy the game.

Overall, it was a  huge success, and the community came out in droves to support the cause. It was a great game, that supported an even better cause. Zachary Kischnick would have been proud.