This is the season for most kids to flock to their local Little League or soccer fields. For kids with special needs, however, access to these kinds of team sports have been either unavailable or very limited. But sports are beneficial to everyone, including children with physical, emotional or developmental issues. On average, most special needs children aren’t physically fit and lack motor skills. They tend to spend more time performing sedentary or solitary activities, such as playing video and computer games and watching TV. Being involved in a sport gives them the opportunity to get exercise while learning motor skills, improving socialization skills through teamwork and participation, and most importantly just having fun. Participating in a team sport that involves other kids brings their socialization skills to a whole new level. They take part in the weekly ritual of putting on a uniform; getting out on the field and playing with their teammates while being cheered by the crowd; and receiving a trophy at the end of the season. Involvement in group, club or team sports can give a special needs child a feeling of belonging. And as research has shown, group affiliation in and of itself raises self-esteem. The experience becomes a fun and positive learning environment, led by adaptive physical education and special needs professionals focused on ensuring a winning outcome for all.

In addition, parents are thrilled to see their child enjoying themselves in a friendly and non-competitive environment. Parents and siblings can cheer them on and see what joy it brings them. It’s a normative experience for the whole family. At many of the team programs for children with special needs, there are high school students and/or siblings of the special needs participant who volunteer their time to teach and coach. For them, it’s an opportunity to give back to their community and help a child learn a new skill. It may also help them in the future should they decide to pursue a career in special needs education. One teenage volunteer commented: “It’s a great reward to come and help these kids. It makes my day!”

Other Local Programs

•  Special Olym-pics — Long Island Region: 631-254-1465; http://nyso.org. Then click on “Long Island.”
•  Little League Challenger Baseball — Long Island. Contact: Joan Bosinius, da34ny@aol.com; 631-864-6701; www.littleleague.org. Click on “divisions” and then “challenger.”
•  Nassau Cou-nty Police Athletic  League (PAL) Special Needs Unit: DCapobianco@pdcn.org; 516-826-1760.
•  Suffolk County Police Athletic League (PAL): 631-852-6109.

The Sid Jacobson JCC offersa comprehensive sports program that teaches teamwork and cooperation and increases self-esteem while mirroring age-appropriate activities that “typical” siblings and peers participate in. The “Shooting Stars” Basketball program, run in cooperation with Roslyn Booster Basketball, gives children with special needs the opportunity to learn basketball skills in a fun, non-competitive environment. Visit www.sjjcc.org or call 516-484-1545.