Utah Jazz Players Sing ‘Happy Birthday’ To Joe Ingles’ Twins After Win Over Miami Heat
Jul 25, 2020, 9:30 PM | Updated: 9:31 pm
(Photo by James Elsby/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Players on the Utah Jazz sang “Happy Birthday” to forward Joe Ingles’ twin children following the team’s scrimmage victory over the Miami Heat.
The Jazz faced the Heat in the second of Utah’s three scrimmages prior to the restart of the 2019-20 season at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Shortly after the victory, Jazz players gathered, in what appears to be a hotel conference room, to wish Ingles’ twins, Jacob and Milla, a happy fourth birthday.
Ingles is unable to be with his children on their birthday as the Jazz are inside the NBA’s bubble in preparation to restart the NBA season.
.@utahjazz players sign “Happy Birthday” to @Joeingles7’s twins Jacob and Milla, who turned 4 year old today. #TakeNote @kslsports
🎥: @BucketsONeale00 on Instagram pic.twitter.com/1Z4ymxnBac
— Kyle Ireland 😷 (@kyleireland) July 26, 2020
“Make a wish for them,” shouted Jazz forward Georges Niang. “I want all of daddy’s money.”
Prior to Utah’s scrimmage against Miami, Ingles posted on social media to send his children well wishes on their birthday.
“Happy 4th Birthday to my beautiful twins Jacob & Milla. Firstly I’m so sorry I’m not there with you today to celebrate your day. I’m gutted but I know your mum will make it memorable,” Ingles wrote on an Instagram post. “Jacob, you are the most curious, happy & gentle kid. Your growth amazes & inspires me, your mum & I will forever push you, protect you & love you. I am so proud of you & love you so much my little man. Milla, my cheeky, sassy, smart little girl. You are wise beyond your age, you energy & mind are something special. We got your back forever. I love you so much & I am so proud of you my little princess. I hope you have the best day ever with your Mum & I miss & love you guys so much. Happy Birthday.”
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The Ingles Family and the Utah Jazz
Ingles and his wife, Renae, welcomed Jacob and Milla into their lives when they were born in 2016.
In early 2019, Jacob was diagnosed with autism.
Shortly after Jacob’s diagnosis, the Jazz forward shared the news with Jazz fans and followers with a post on Twitter.
Renae and I share with the world Jacob’s diagnosis with autism and where to from here for our family.
Head to @exclusiveinsight to read our story, or head to the link below!https://t.co/2WOZXM3vQm pic.twitter.com/UlKKtYyj1o
— Joe Ingles (@Joeingles7) February 13, 2019
Ingles and his wife penned about their sons’ diagnosis here.
“When we looked into it, we realized there was a lack of understanding about early detection and how much that can make an impact in a child’s life,” said Ingles in a press release. “The earlier you find out, the more you can set your child up to have the best life they can have. Jacob’s brought so much joy and light to our lives, and it’s our hope to share that with families who may be going through the same process now.”
Since then, the Ingles and the Utah Jazz have held events to raise awareness for autism.
As part of the recent renovation at Vivint Smart Home Arena, the home of the Jazz, the franchise had a special room built for those with intellectual disabilities, so that they can enjoy the game environment in a sensory-sensitive manner.
"Vivint Smart Home teamed with the NBA’s Utah Jazz to build a sensory room at the Vivint Smart Home Arena, home of the Jazz, for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other intellectual and developmental disabilities."https://t.co/Vj7Q4reqmE pic.twitter.com/rHcaSYHK7S
— Vivint Gives Back (@VivintGivesBack) December 13, 2018
In May, the Ingles announced that they were pregnant with their third child.