BYSC Launches New Special Needs Program in Rye

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The Backyard Sports Cares signature program that matches middle and high school volunteer coaches with special needs athletes recently found another home in Rye.  Launched in September with the help of the Rye Recreation Department and support of the Rye City School District, the new program welcomed 20 new athletes for 6 weeks of fun and soccer instruction on the pitch.

The fun continued during the winter months with six weeks of basketball in the Midland Elementary School Gym.  And late winter is bringing more indoor activity at Midland with a four week tennis program that will run during the entire month of March.

Volunteer coach Sydney McMullen, a junior at Mamaroneck High School, recently explained why she shows up every Thursday afternoon.  “I can see the positive impact that integrating special needs athletes and non special needs athletes has on my community.  I see it in my school, I see it in my family and I see it in the faces of the volunteers and athletes that show up here every week.”

Long time coach Vin Minotti has kindly shouldered one hundred percent of the coaching duties bringing his usual combination of fun, thoughtful lesson plans, and enthusiasm to the program.  Adult volunteers Suzy Ugliarolo-McKay and Claudine Hanley have contributed countless hours helping with everything from spreading the word within the community of potential athletes to recruiting and organizing volunteers from Rye High School, Iona Prep and The Ursuline School.  A special note of thanks to Superintendent Sally Rogol and Asst Superintendent Erin Mantz at Rye Recreation Department for all their help and support.

As the mother of one of the athletes remarked following a recent Thursday afternoon session,

“It gives my son an avenue to have fun with other kids.  He spends a lot of time after school doing ABA therapies and this is just a great break for him.  We enjoy seeing him happy, and this program makes him happy, so that’s why it works for us.”

 

Coaches Corner: How One Phone Call Changed my Life

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Categories Vol. 16 Winter 2022

A Grateful Coaches Reflection My cell phone rings and I do not know the number and I was thinking of just having the call go straight to voicemail, but I changed my mind.  It was the best decision I ever made! “Hello,” I say with some trepidation. “Hi Vin, my name is Danny Bernstein.  You … Continue reading “Coaches Corner: How One Phone Call Changed my Life”

From BYSC Volunteer to Harvard: Michael Waxman

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Categories Vol. 16 Winter 2022

I’m a first-year student at Harvard College studying government and environmental science.  In addition to my formal studies, I continue to be engaged in climate action as I have been for the past three years.  In the midst of my climate advocacy while I was in high school, I spent one month with Backyard Sports … Continue reading “From BYSC Volunteer to Harvard: Michael Waxman”

Volunteer Spotlight: The Friedland Family

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Categories Vol. 16 Winter 2022

Allison, Ben, Samantha (17), Jacob (14) and Rebecca (11) all found their way to Backyard Sports Cares through separate, yet equally meaningful paths.  “Whenever we are looking for a meaningful way to give, Backyard Sports Cares is always there to connect us to amazing opportunities,” says Allison. Allison chairs the Family Mitzvah Corps group at … Continue reading “Volunteer Spotlight: The Friedland Family”

Volunteer Spotlight: Charlie Block and Jonah Segal at Brant Lake Camp

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Categories Vol. 16 Winter 2022

This past summer, BYSC sponsored a trip for 25 boys and girls (ages 6-16) who traveled from Mount Vernon to Brant Lake to spend a weekend enjoying the camp.  The kids are part of BYSC board member Nesta Felix’s Newflex Youth Program which aims to build leaders in struggling communities through mentoring, leadership and sports … Continue reading “Volunteer Spotlight: Charlie Block and Jonah Segal at Brant Lake Camp”