Fall is the ultimate season for sports fans—whether it’s football, basketball, baseball playoffs or the kickoff of hockey, nearly every professional league is in full swing. It’s a time of excitement, competition and camaraderie, reminding us how sports bring people together and energize communities. At Keshet, we share that spirit, with adapted, inclusive and buddy sports programs that foster teamwork, skill-building and confidence for our athletes. As the pros hit the field, court and rink, our athletes are also stepping up, proving that everyone deserves a chance to experience the joy and benefits of sports.
UPPING OUR GAME
Last year, Keshet’s Recreation Team responded to feedback from our athletes and families to reshape our sports offerings to better meet people’s interests. This involved adding more skill building and competition for our experienced players while also developing opportunities to introduce beginners to the joy of the game. The team leading these programs knows competition and adaptive play, and includes former competitive athletes in wrestling, track, dance, football, baseball, long distance running and ice skating as well as special educators, recreation therapists, direct support professionals and an adaptive physical education teacher.
IN FULL SWING
Our athletes and students are already benefiting from this new approach.
Basketball
Coaches have added more structure to Keshet’s basketball program, especially for adults. Each session involves a coordinated practice of warmups and drills followed by game play.
Sports Galore
Sports Galore is a chance to be active, try something new, be included as part of a team and have fun. Each session is a different sport or game. So far, they have played football, soccer, basketball, kickball and softball. Rules are adapted to ensure everyone can play, which often means bringing out the “big red ball,” a favorite way to get everyone involved.
Special Olympics
In addition to Keshet’s all-ages Special Olympics Track & Field Team, we’ve added two new teams for adults with tremendous success—bowling and golf skills. Keshet transforms these individual sports into teams where athletes are not only honing their skills but also supporting each other. Since these teams have launched, we’ve had multiple players place in sectional competitions and one third place finish in the State Golf Skills Tournament.
THE NEXT PLAY
There’s a lot in store for Keshet’s winter and spring sports.
Swimming
Keshet is planning for its first-ever Special Olympics Swim Team for adults.
Golf
Building on the momentum of last summer’s Special Olympics Golf Skills, we are expanding golf opportunities for adults to include skills clinics and a 3-hole or 6-hole competition. This growth is funded in part by a generous grant from Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation.
Baseball
Keshet Buddy Baseball will return this spring with more games and skill development because baseball is more fun when everybuddy can play.
GET ON THE ROSTER
There’s always room for one more! Sign up for the next season for Keshet’s sports at the end of the month. We are looking for volunteers for all Keshet sports activities, particularly youth basketball. Learn more and complete your application at keshet.org/volunteer.
We’re also looking for donations of new adaptive sports equipment. If you would like to purchase equipment to be used in Keshet’s sports and adaptive physical education programs, email Jamie Lake.
