Marion children with medical challenges or disabilities had a chance to join athletic teams and play their hearts out in the Unstoppables Youth Sports League. The nonprofit expanded to Marion just this year.
After her daughter with Down syndrome played in Marion in June, her mother, Ashley Teets, said, “This team of coaches, boys & their fans (14U Marion Merchants) were absolutely incredible with our kiddos tonight! This was the first night this season I was tearing up and choking up several times. It was such a fun night for everyone! “
Mandy Myers of Marion signed up her son, Collin, who has hemophilia.
“Collin loves being able to cheer on his team, make new friends and be included!” Myers said.
Mothers Start League to Create Opportunities
The league is free to children and parents with special needs due to generous sponsors. It was founded by two mothers who wanted opportunities for their children with special needs in 2018. Lindsay Roberts of Bellville has two children on the autism spectrum and helped found the nonprofit, which has grown from serving one team of 12 children to more than 130 children in central Ohio.
The Unstoppables began after her son, Blaze, aged out a local T-ball league and had no place to play.
“The first year, I recruited my son’s class to join the team. It ended up being wonderful,” Roberts said. “People started calling and wanting to play. I couldn’t say no.”
Unstoppable Players Matched with Buddies
Each player is teamed up with a buddy to help them play. Unstoppables provides the equipment, including batting devices for children in wheelchairs. Unstoppables expanded from baseball to add soccer and basketball. It is run completely by volunteers. The Marion team was coached by Jill and Rodney Niese.
“My wife works with a lot of these kids at River Valley Schools. They wanted to start an Unstoppables team in Marion because they had never had one before. We agreed to run and coach this team for the first year. There was a lot of help from parents and volunteers,” Rod Niese said.
Niese, a professor at Marion Technical College, said the team focuses on fun and learning the game.
“It was a very rewarding experience. Everyone should have an opportunity to play baseball or softball when they are young. The ability of the child should never determine if they play or not,” Niese said. “The kids had a blast playing due to the teams we played. The Marion Merchants and River Valley teams were absolutely wonderful while playing our team.”
Local Teams Take on Unstoppables
The Unstoppables play local teams but they do not keep score.
“My son’s team is undefeated,’ Roberts said with a chuckle.
While some youth sports are marred by aggressive fans in the stands, the Unstoppables games are “a bright spot,” Roberts says.
“Unstoppables ais the good in the world. They smile through it all,” Roberts said. “It’s all about fun and inclusion. Many local teams think they are helping us, but we are teaching them, too.”
The baseball games are held at the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Due to the wet spring, a bonus game will be played on September 6 at 2;30 p.m. field 5 at River Valley Sports Complex on State Route 309. All are welcome to come cheer on these local players.
“Our mission is simple: every child deserves the chance to play,” said Roberts. “No one is left out.”
Some of the players, such as Luke Fox, had taken part in leagues in Delaware County. They were excited to be able to play closer to home.
The league teaches teamwork. It also gives parents of children with special needs a chance to connect with each other. “Sometimes it’s hard to find people who understand their challenges.”
Next Opportunity: Unstoppable Band
This October, children with disabilities who are interested in band will march during Highland’s Homecoming game on October. Interested children with special needs can attend a camp on Sept. 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Highliand High School in Marengo. They can try instruments and practice marching.
The Unstoppables will perform on Friday, Oct. 3 at Highland during the Homecoming game with the Highland band and alumni. Instruments are provided, but those with instruments at home are encouraged to bring them.
Those interested can register at https://unstoppablesports.org/.
For more info:
Email: uysports21@gmail.com
Website: https://unstoppablesports.org/
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