By Lee Erwin/ClarksvilleNow.com
With the theme, “the game’s the same…just different,” Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League is a local program that offers activities for people with physical, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, giving them the opportunity to play sports.
Buddy Ball is part of Progressive Directions INC., which began in Montgomery County and has recently expanded to Paris, Tennessee. The athletics program is open to those with special needs from children three years old to senior citizens. The program is free and operates solely on donations.
“We try to help anyone with any type of disability. We allow them to play sports and do activities that they may not get to do everyday and we just try to help them have fun,” Billy Christy, Buddy Ball Coordinator, said.
There is a long list of sports that are part of the Buddy Ball program including bowling, baseball, basketball, street hockey, water polo, and water volleyball. Christy said he has plans to add an indoor soccer league this year.
Buddy Ball teaches athletes teamwork and helps promote self-esteem, which helps overcome the stigma that can be associated with a disability. At the end of each season, every athlete receives a trophy to celebrate their support for their team and honor their participation in sports.
For any nonprofit organization, volunteers are always needed to help make the program a success and Buddy Ball is no different. Find more volunteer information online.
Christy said he wants the community to know that the Buddy Ball program is there for those who need it.
“It’s amazing how many people we have found out there with special needs children who have never heard of us,” Christy said.
Along with the program recently started in Henry County, Christy said that other counties surrounding Montgomery County have asked about starting programs in the future.
“In fact, there are Buddy Ball athletes that come to Clarksville to play sports and anyone in any of the surrounding counties, including those in Kentucky, are welcome to join in, have fun and learn about sports,” Christy said.
To find out more about Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League, information about being an athlete, becoming a volunteer, or making a donation, visit the Buddy Ball Facebook page, website, email info@buddyball.net, or call 931-624-2432 or 615-618-7000.