The Bayonne Division of Recreation’s Special Needs Sports Program has announced its upcoming lineup for the end of 2022 and beginning of 2023.
The Special Needs Sports Program originated in 2013 and is a program for developmentally and physically challenged youth. The program helps them to enjoy the full benefits of sports participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities.
According to the Division of Recreation, the value of the Special Needs Sports Program is found in the proven therapeutic and socialization benefits of participating in sports, the strengthening of participants’ self-esteem, the opportunities to mainstream into other divisions of play, and the disciplines of teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play. The program’s mission is to provide children with special needs the opportunity to succeed at playing sports in a program structured to their abilities.
The Division of Recreation states that the most fundamental goal of the Special Needs Sports Program is to give everyone a chance to play, regardless of limitations. The Bayonne High School Athletics Department, coaches and teams have been an integral part of the program; according to the Division of Recreation, their enthusiasm and dedication are what makes the special needs sports so great.
“We are ecstatic on what we have accomplished as a community with our Division of Recreation Special Needs Sports Program,” said Pete Amadeo, Superintendent of Recreation. “It has been an incredible 9.5 years of special needs sports and we are excited for the future of our participants.”
Upcoming sports lineup
On Saturday, November 19, there will be basketball from 4 to 5 p.m.
On Saturday December 3, there will be pillo hockey from 2 to 3 p.m.
On Saturday January 7, there will be bowling from 2 to 3 p.m.
On Saturday, January 28, there will be track and field from 12 to 1 p.m.
On Sunday, February 12, there will be football and a Super Bowl Party from 2 to 3 p.m.
On Saturday, March 4, there will be March Madness basketball from 2 to 3 p.m.
On Saturday, March 25, there will be bowling from 2 to 3 p.m.
On Saturday, April 22, there will be Buddy Baseball practice at a time to be determined.
And Saturday, May 6, will be the Opening Day for Buddy Baseball.
Register online at: register.capturepoint.com/CityofBayonne. There is no fee to participate in the program.
For more information on the Division of Recreation Special Needs Sports Program, contact Amadeo at 201-858-6129 or email bayonnerec@aol.com.
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