The Buddy League was founded in 2002 to provide recreational opportunities for children with special needs who would ordinarily be excluded. The league currently is providing Baseball. This league is unique in that it allows the children to learn about sports and the fundamentals alongside their non-disabled peer buddies. Team sports provide opportunities for building social skills, self esteem, and peer relationships. The players are not the only ones who win here. The "Buddies" learn just as much. They see enthusiasm, determination, tolerance, joy, and unconditional love at every Buddy event. There are no games protested here. There is no rivalry here. If you need a high five, a kiss, or a hug at homeplate, you'll find it here. Everyone involved wins here.
The Buddy League is provided at minimal cost to families. We are The Buddy League and All are welcome here.
For more info, call Heather Miller 972-414-9280 or emailChmillers@aol.com.
Buddies Needed
The Buddy League will match one or more buddies with each special needs player where needed. Buddies should be aged 8 and older.
This program offers buddies the opportunity to give valuable and rewarding time to another young, eager athlete.
The Buddy League has never been just about baseball. It is about building an accepting community. It is about changing perspectives. It is about eliminating stereotypes and eliminating fear. One of the aspects of Buddy League that I am most proud of is the use of peer volunteers. They learn by witnessing and assisting the players. They see what love and true friendship are all about. They now see that children with disabling conditions have many of the same needs and wants as they. They need to be loved, accepted, appreciated, encouraged, have friends, and have fun. These volunteers leave Buddy League with a new appreciation of what is most important in life. I can say, with utmost confidence, that Buddy League volunteers will change the world. Quite honestly, they already have.
