DDSO Softball Team Takes Home Bronze at Statewide Special Olympic Games

BROOKLYN, NY (10/20/2008)(readMedia)-- The Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Services Office’s (BDDDSO) Softball Team took home the bronze in its first-ever State Games Competition Special Olympics New York State Fall Games 2008, held in Rochester, N.Y. on October 3-5.

With just four months of being registered as a New York City Special Olympics Training Club, the BDDDSO ventured off to establish its’ first Softball Skills and Softball Team, with the assistance of dedicated volunteers, coaches, Acting DDSO Director Donna Limiti and administration support. Volunteers and coaches worked closely with players and the Special Olympics New York City office to obtain certifications, registrations, and most of the softball equipment, which was at no cost to the training club.

On September 20, 2008, the Softball Team with 13 players competed in Fresh Meadows, N.Y. at Cunningham Park in their first-ever Regional Softball Tournament and walked away with the gold. Coach Mel Allen expressed how proud he was of the team, and how far they have come along since their first practice. The team was excited about its success given all the time they had put into practice.

On September 28, 2008, the BDDSO Softball Team and Softball Skills were on hand for the Long Island Softball Tournament at a Little League Complex held in East Meadow, N.Y. BDDSO Special Olympics Softball Skills competitors were excited at the number of medals they brought home in throwing, base running, fielding, and hitting. The Softball Team garnered a silver medal and left excited as well as determined for their upcoming tournament at the Special Olympics New York State Fall Games 2008 held in Rochester, NY on October 3-5.

Finally, during the Fall Games, the BDDSO Softball Team took home the bronze in its first-ever State Games Competition. The experience was great for all, especially for those who have never been afforded an opportunity to get away from home, stay in a hotel, ride on a coach bus, walk in an Opening Ceremony, where so many witnessed and cheered on our athletes. The team was provided the opportunity to compete against so many other great athletes from New York State.

“During this adventure, both teams expressed learning how to effectively communicate and build relationships with others. Moreover, develop a sense of having a winning attitude and self confidence, which is the goal for the training club and its’ athletes,” said Limiti. “The athletes now look forward onto new challenges, being able to compete at Winter Games in February 2009.”

In addition to a Softball team, the Brooklyn DDSO is working to formalize bowling and floor hockey teams. Coaches will need to receive sports training by regional offices. Currently, there are seven coaches, many of whom are recreational therapists or assistants, and others who have received sports training in softball and softball skills interested in creating these teams.

Eight BDDSO Special Olympics Club Athletes participated in the Special Olympics New York City/Long Island Region, Adaptive Games, held at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue, N.Y. Athletes enjoyed a day of various adaptive events including: bowling, Frisbee throw, tennis ball throw, bean bag drop, “successball,” kicking, 10 and 25-meter walks, and wheelchair races. Athletes took part in a parade and opening ceremonies, as well.

“We are hoping to compete in the New York City Regional Bowling Tournament on December 6,” said Limiti. “This is truly another example of how the Brooklyn DDSO has worked to help individuals with developmental disabilities lead richer lives through community participation. This is a win-win situation for us all.”

In addition, the Regional Office of Special Olympics will host its Winter Coaches Conference at the Brooklyn DDSO on November 15.

About OMRDD/Brooklyn DDSO

The Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD) provides high-quality services, supports and advocacy to approximately 120,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. OMRDD works with a network of nearly 800 not-for-profit providers to help people with developmental disabilities lead richer lives that include meaningful relationships, good health, personal growth and productivity and homes in their communities. The Brooklyn DDSO serves people with developmental disabilities and their families living in Kings County, N.Y.