ACES has just completed its second season of adaptive baseball. (photos) ACES is an adaptive sports program for disabled children ages 6-16. Sixteen children were able to get off the sidelines and into the game this past summer. All games were played at the Northeast Little League field.
The baseball program, similar to Little League's Challenger Division and the Miracle League gives everyone a chance to play ball regardless of their ability or disability. The league is non-competitive and involves a limited time commitment and a limited playing schedule.
We offer an opportunity for disabled children to participate fully in sports. Each player is accompanied by a "buddy" who helps the athlete hit, field and run/walk/wheel the bases.
A special group of children and their families benefit from this program. Playing with the same equipment on the same fields as Little League participants, our players learn not only the fundamental of baseball, but also how it feels to be just like other children pulling together as a team, being cheered and earning awards for their achievement. Team sports help youngsters develop citizenship, discipline, teamwork and physical well-being. The fundamental preparation for adult life can be development on a baseball field or soccer field. It is through athletics that youngsters learn their strengths, the meanings of sportsmanship and cooperation, and the qualities that constitute effective leadership. These are qualities and skills that will assist our community far into the future.
More skills than baseball are learned through the experience. There is value in the therapeutic and socialization benefits of participating in sports, the strengthening of participants' self-esteem, the opportunities to mainstream into other divisions of play in the future and the disciplines of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play. It is our goal to offer structured, athletic activity for all youth in Bay County.
We want to get our kids off the sidelines and into the game!
