Recreational inclusion builds a stronger community
By KATE and PAUL ROBERTS
Published: Tuesday, February 27, 2007
The door has opened just a bit wider for Mark because of his involvement in community sports.
The bases are loaded with two outs and our child walks to the batters’ circle. This is his chance to shine and make childhood memories that will last a lifetime.
This experience is one that many children with disabilities will never get a chance to experience. This was something that our son Mark, born with a neuromotor impairment of unknown origin, WOULD get a chance to experience.
Why?
Because Mark is a child who deeply wanted to have the opportunities to attempt everything that his brothers undertook. As a result, he has been a full participant in baseball, soccer, basketball and cross-country running. He does all of this with great determination despite his significant gross motor impairment and significant difficulty in communicating.
At 13, Mark’s involvement in organized recreation has provided some of the most important and life-changing encounters. Both teams have encouraged him when he is at bat on the baseball field. Long after the winner has crossed the finish line, some of the loudest and moving cheers can be heard as Mark makes his way out of the woods at his middle school’s cross country runs. Though he has never scored a goal in soccer, he has never stopped trying.
Mark is fully included on all of the teams he has been a member of. He has experienced the full spectrum of emotions that teammates feel when winning or losing together. These inclusive athletic experiences have played a key role in the development of his self-esteem. They have resulted in a “teammate” bond with his peers that carries over into every aspect of his life in our community.
As he has grown older, the field of competition has become more intense. Mark, like many of his peers, has made the choice not to participate as an athlete in many organized sports. However, he has continued his involvement with organized recreation in other ways: coaching, raking fields, hanging signs and just being there. Because of his past involvement in the organized recreation, he is deeply rooted in the community and is widely known at all athletic venues.
Former teammates and parents who have gotten to know him through his involvement in sports now take the time to listen to Mark as he attempts to communicate in school, grocery stores or malls. This has given him the drive to continue to improve his speech output and he has made significant gains because of confidence gained by others investing in him.
As a family, we feel strongly that it takes a community to raise a child. Particularly a child with multiple disabilities who is often more vulnerable in our society. We now have thousands of eyes watching out for Mark; thousands of hands willing to chip in and offer help and countless hearts warmed by his presence.
Mark is an irreplaceable gift in our lives and in the lives of all that he touches. He has taken full advantage of his opportunity to change the beliefs of so many people in our community and has provided us with the realization that we can all do the same. Already in his young life, he has changed countless peoples’ perspectives and stereotypes about people with disabilities.
The door has opened just a bit wider for Mark because of his involvement in community sports. His pure determination and “never say no” attitude continue to inspire those around him. Coaches have become kinder and gentler not just with Mark but also with all participants. We have watched young children - probably for the first time in their lives - discover that people with differences should be accepted.
We have personally witnessed that some of the most accepting and encouraging teammates are those that you would least expect. Those that might otherwise have been considered bullies off the playing field have become listeners, allies and protectors of Mark in the kindest ways.
Mark is just one child amongst the many children with disabilities who strive to be accepted for who they are and encouraged for who they can become. Many may think that this is only possible through Special Olympics or Unified Sports for those with disabilities. That is not true. If you or your child with disabilities wants to participate with his peer group in your community based recreational programs, be sure to give your child the opportunity. Mark’s athletic experiences have been one of full inclusion in its best form—everyone involved has benefited and our community bonds have become stronger.
We are fortunate to live in Rochester, a community where no one has ever closed a door on our son. Do whatever you can to open doors for your child and those to follow. The rewards will be great for you and your community.