Basketball Buddies is a program that creates friendships among its participants from the special needs and typical populations. All activities and participants are supervised and coached by the Program Coordinators. The special needs and typical Buddy participants are matched together for the entire season which begins January 9th, 2011. Games are on Sundays only from 12:00 to 1:00. All activities are held at Terramar Park in Parkland. Knowledge of the game of Basketball is not a requirement in order to be a Buddy participant.

The program services all special needs children regardless of physical or mental impairment. Through the shared encouragement of all Buddies, the special needs participants and their families are able to experience the joys of their athletic endeavors. Through positive reinforcement and a message of never quitting and always trying your best and always having fun doing so, the special needs participants achieve new levels of success each time they come out to the field. The majority of typical Buddy participants are area high school students but we also register mature middle school and elementary school students and there is always a need for adult Buddy participants as well. Through their interaction with their special needs Buddies, ignorance and stereotypes are overcome and the typical Buddies learn patience, understanding, tolerance and the ability of one person to change the life of another person.

Each Sunday we use the 3 east courts, and divide the players up accordingly. Our emphasis is on FUN, and exercise is also included. While a more typical game is played on one court, there are also non typical games where the Buddies are on the courts and each special needs participant has the opportunity to control the ball and shoot a basket. In Basketball Buddies, winning occurs when a special needs participant steps on the court, overcomes his or her own perceived limitations through their hard work and efforts and does so with smiles, laughter and friendship. The motto of Basketball Buddies is "No Limits".

If you have any questions, please contact Program Coordinator Andy Zaukas by e-mail at zaukasaa@fastboltcorp.com or by phone at 954-445-0502. www.parklandbuddysportsinc.com