The Power of Inclusion: My Story with Parkland Buddy Sports

Back in 2012, I spent time with my friend, who has a disability, as she prepared to head to her final adaptive soccer practice of the season with Parkland Buddy Sports, an inclusive sports program. I was inspired by her enthusiasm and had a blast watching her play. I turned to my mom and expressed my desire to give soccer a try. As fate would have it, my friend's mom was familiar with the inclusive program that would be a perfect fit for me - Parkland Buddy Sports! She shared the details with my mom, and later that year, my mom enrolled me in the Parkland Buddy Sports soccer program, which offers a supportive environment for athletes with disabilities. I was thrilled to take the field and start my own soccer journey

Empowering children and young adults with disabilities since 2002, Parkland Buddy Sports, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit revolutionizing the world of adaptive sports. Their inclusive programs foster a supportive environment where everyone can thrive, make friends, have fun, and reach new heights. Through peer-to-peer sports, student volunteer opportunities, and a focus on empowerment, challenge, and love, they unlock the full potential of our players, volunteers, and coaches. Parkland Buddy Sports offers a wide range of programs, including basketball, flag football, tennis, running, kickball, and soccer. While all sports are equally important, soccer remains the most popular and well-known program among the Parkland Buddies community. Their 'No Limits' motto is a promise to help everyone shine their brightest and live a life without boundaries. By providing inclusive sports programs, they’ve made a positive impact on countless lives and continue to inspire a world where everyone can reach their full potential.

My Parkland Buddy Sports journey kicked off in 2012 as a soccer player, and I was hooked! A couple of years later, I expanded my athletic horizons by joining basketball and flag football. Interestingly, my introduction to basketball was in middle school PE, where I often found myself as the only girl on the court. But Parkland Buddy Sports was a game-changer - it offered a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone could thrive. The organization cleverly tailors its games and fields to individual ages and abilities, ranging from little kids to adults. I remember starting on the field with older kids, taking turns kicking the ball into the goal. But my competitive streak soon emerged, and I kept stealing the ball! Before long, I was promoted to the main field (yes, I was the only girl), where we played a thrilling game of soccer, complete with stealing the ball from opponents. It was an incredible feeling, and I was grateful to have found a community that nurtured my growth and passion for sports.

My passion for basketball was ignited in PE class, and I eventually made the transition from cheerleading to joining basketball, a decision that sparked a lifelong love affair with the sport. This fresh start allowed me to grow, learn, and thrive in a new sport, surrounded by supportive teammates and coaches. A pleasant surprise awaited me on the team - friends I had met through soccer when I was 12!  As a former flyer, I was accustomed to soaring through the air and performing intricate stunts. In contrast, basketball demanded quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and teamwork. I enjoyed learning new skills, such as dribbling, shooting, and defense, and adapting my athleticism to the court. Joining the Parkland Buddy Sports basketball team marked a new chapter in my athletic journey. I continued to play basketball with a friend from my team, whom I originally met through soccer. Our Sunday sessions led to an invitation to join his private games with other teammates and their dads. As the only girl, I enjoyed the challenge and camaraderie, further developing my skills and friendship. With the same group of five, we played basketball for the Special Olympics. Again, I was the only girl, but I didn't let that stop me. I was proud to be part of a team that promoted inclusion and sportsmanship. Through basketball, I discovered a lifelong passion, formed lasting friendships, and developed a sense of belonging. My journey was marked by new experiences, challenges, and opportunities, shaping me into a confident and determined athlete.

I played soccer, flag football, and basketball. Out of all the sports my favorite is basketball. Throughout my athletic career, I've had the opportunity to play a variety of sports, including soccer, flag football, and basketball. While each sport has its unique thrills and challenges, one stands out as my absolute favorite: basketball. There's something about the fast-paced action, strategic teamwork, and individual skill-building that drew me to basketball. I've found that it's a sport that not only challenges me physically but also mentally, requiring quick thinking and adaptability. There's something captivating about the fast-paced action of basketball, the strategic teamwork, and the individual skill-building that comes with it. I've found that basketball challenges me not only physically but also mentally, requiring quick thinking, adaptability, and strategic decision-making. While soccer and flag football have their own unique charms, basketball holds a special place in my heart. The speed and agility required to navigate the court, the thrill of sinking a three-pointer, and the satisfaction of working together as a team to achieve a common goal all contribute to my passion for the sport. Basketball has taught me valuable lessons about discipline, hard work, and teamwork. It's a sport that requires dedication, persistence, and a willingness to learn and improve. As I continue to play and grow, I'm excited to see where my love for basketball takes me. Whether on the court or off, I know that the skills and lessons I've learned through basketball will stay with me for a lifetime.

As I grew and learned through Parkland Buddy Sports, I felt a strong desire to give back to the community that had given me so much. I decided to join as a volunteer, allowing me to pay it forward and inspire others to find their passion and reach their full potential. Through volunteering, I've had the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I've seen firsthand the difference that Parkland Buddy Sports can make, and I'm proud to be a part of it. Whether coaching on the main soccer field where I once played or filling in as a player during basketball games, I've been able to contribute to the growth and development of athletes of all ages and abilities.

As a volunteer, I've had the chance to work with participants, helping them build their skills and confidence. It's incredibly rewarding to see the impact that Parkland Buddy Sports has on its participants, and I feel lucky to be a part of it. By inspiring others to find their passion and reach their full potential, I'm helping to create a more inclusive and supportive community for everyone.

By giving back, I'm helping to create a ripple effect of kindness and empowerment that will continue to inspire others for years to come. I'm proud to be part of an organization that fosters a sense of belonging and promotes the growth and development of all its participants.

My journey with Parkland Buddy Sports has been a transformative experience that has shaped me into the confident and determined athlete I am today. From my first soccer practice in 2012 to becoming a volunteer, I've had the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Through Parkland Buddy Sports, I've discovered a lifelong passion for basketball, formed lasting friendships, and developed a sense of belonging. I've learned valuable lessons about discipline, hard work, and teamwork, and I'm excited to see where my love for basketball takes me. As a volunteer, I'm proud to be part of an organization that fosters a sense of belonging and promotes the growth and development of all its participants. I'm helping to create a ripple effect of kindness and empowerment that will continue to inspire others for years to come.

I'm grateful for Parkland Buddy Sports and the impact it's had on my life. Their inclusive programs have taught me valuable lessons, helped me grow, and introduced me to lifelong friends. I'm proud to be part of a community that promotes inclusion, sportsmanship, and empowerment.

Thank you, Parkland Buddy Sports, for being a constant source of support and inspiration. I'm excited to see what the future holds for this amazing organization and the countless lives it will continue to touch.