It was a packed gymnasium at Fairhaven School in Niles Thursday as the bulldogs hit the court against some new friends from Newton Falls.

Members of the boys and girls basketball teams, along with cheerleaders and members of the band visited the school to offer some drills and then play in a "blended" basketball game.

"I was talking with my husband, who is a guidance counselor at Newton Falls and we were just talking about how wonderful it would be for the students to experience this, not only the sports part of it but also to go into the classrooms and experience working with the children, just reading with them, spending some time," Sandra Kernen, Principal at Fairhaven said.

Prior to the basketball, students went into the classrooms and read books to Fairhaven students.

"Students completely love this day, it's so much fun for them, they feel like stars and they are making new friends outside of the school and so they really, truly enjoy it," Kernen said.

While the score was kept, it didn't matter who won or lost. Everyone was a winner today.

"It's amazing, like it's heartwarming," Gigi Morgan, a Newton Falls Junior said. "When we walked in to read to the preschool, seeing them all smile and watching them have so much fun, it's a great experience."

After the basketball game, everyone enjoyed a pizza party.

School leaders also use the event to talk to the students about various careers and opportunities available associated with special needs.