A program in Wheaton, Ill., allows kids with special needs to participate in sports and establish long-enduring friendships by pairing them up with a partner on the field, the Chicago Tribune reports.
Known as “Buddy Baseball,” it features duos of kids, one of whom is a disabled student, standing at every position, guiding each other around the bases, and having those conversations that build understanding among more traditionally functioning kids and inclusion among those with special needs.
The games focus more on fun than on the score by allowing everyone to bat in each inning and by finishing at a designated time rather than after a certain number of innings.
“As a parent, you just want your kids to be happy no matter what their needs are,” the Tribune quoted one parent as saying. “But when your kid clicks with someone who really cares about them and wants to make them happy … there is nothing like it. You’re just elated and so thankful that this exists for them.”
Special Olympics Unified Sports
Gov Chris Christie, Republican of New Jersey, signed legislation last month that will encourage Special Olympics Unified Sports programming in all school districts. Between 75 and 100 school districts in the state will receive funding that will help them ensure that students with disabilities have opportunities to participate in sports equal to those of other students.
The legislation passed during the third annual Special Olympics USA Games, hosted by the state of New Jersey, where 3,500 athletes competed in 16 Olympic-style sports, with 10 of those sports being Unified Sports, making these Games the most inclusive to date. The new law builds on guidelines issued by the US Department of Education in January 2013 that encourage access to sports for students with disabilities. New Jersey will comply with the federal law as well as promote greater inclusion of student athletes with disabilities.
Special Olympics Unified Sports, an inclusive sports program that combines individuals with intellectual disabilities and partners without intellectual disabilities on teams for training and competition, is a growing program that has direct results in building more inclusive school climates.
“As the Special Olympics are being celebrated in New Jersey this week, we are reminded of the difference that team sports can make in the lives of children with disabilities by promoting acceptance and inclusion,” Mr Christie said. “Involvement in sports instills a strong work ethic and an understanding of the importance of teamwork in our students as they participate in their sport of choice. This legislation will afford all New Jersey students, regardless of their disability, the opportunity to grow as athletes and members of a community.”
“This is a tremendous step for inclusion for young people of all abilities in this great state,” said one parent of a special-needs student. “We have watched so many young stars grow through Special Olympics New Jersey, and it is wonderful to know each of them will now have these same great opportunities in their schools with all of their peers. New Jersey truly believes in the movement, and we fully support it for our son and every person.”
Special Olympics is an international organization that encourages and empowers people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to more than 4.4 million athletes in over 180 countries, providing year-round sports training, athletic competition, and other related programs.
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