NBA legends Steve Nash and Yao Ming to coach Halifax woman this weekend

A 26-year-old Halifax womanwill be the only North American woman and one of two Canadians participating in thefifth annual NBA Cares Special Olympics United Basketball Game this weekend.

NatalieBranscombe willbe coached by NBA heavyweights like Steve Nash and Yao Ming.

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"I'm living my dream right now. I feel like the celebrity," said Branscombe, whospent Wednesday afternoon shooting hoopsat St. Andrews Community Centre.

The NBA Cares Special Olympics United Basketball Game brings together players with and without intellectual disabilitiesto play as a team and highlight the Special Olympics.

The international event brings together 12 Special Olympics athletesfrom around the world to playa game under the supervision of some NBA and WNBA all-stars.

Branscombe says someone at Special Olympics in Nova Scotia encouraged her to apply after hearing her speak at an event.

"When I found out, I held my head and I was shocked because it was a long shot. There were so many people trying to get into this," she said.

Branscombe is six-foot-one-inch talland has been playing basketball since she was sixyearsold. She has a mild intellectual disability and although she used to play in regular sports, shesays she didn't really start enjoying herself until she began playing with the Special Olympics.

"When I played regular sport, I would get judged and picked on and stuff. When I play Special Olympics, none of that happens. I feel like I can be myself, enjoy myself and have a good time," said Branscombe.

"I've made plenty of friends through Special Olympics. When I played regular sports, I didn't have many friends."

Branscombe'sfather, Doug, will be joining her this weekend. He coaches the Special Olympics basketball program in Halifax. He says theyleave for Toronto on Thursday.

"Natalie's mom and I are pretty proud," he said.

"This is a pretty special opportunity. Once in a lifetime."