There is a special group of athletes who are getting some of the loudest cheers at the St. Francis de Sales gym at this year’s Summer Classic. In their second season, the St. Camillus Special Olympians have found a second home to show off their shooting, dribbling and passing skills on the basketball court, in an environment supported by dedicated volunteers, coaches, referees and cheering spectators.
On Thursday, July 30, the Special Olympics athletes kicked off their second Summer Classic season in the SFDS gym. Spectators filled the stands as more than 40 players from two teams, Skippy’s Basketball Clinic and Will 2 Win, took to the court and benches. Dedicated referee Marianne “Skippy” Doyle ran around the gym with each group, reminding players to dribble when possible, pass the ball to make sure everyone was included and take several shots at the hoop until one finally went in. Each swoosh through the net drew massive cheers from the crowd, as scoring players raised their arms in victory, flashed big smiles and celebrated with high-fives from their teammates. On August 6, they did it all again. On August 13 and August 20 at 6:30 p.m., the season continues, and all are welcome to come cheer these athletes on.
The St. Camillus Special Olympics regular Monday programs end in June. In recent years, dedicated founder Joe Featherston, has been seeking ways for the athletes to spread their wings and their infectious good spirit in other arenas, from the fields of Fort Tilden playing Rockaway Little League and now, at SFDS Summer Classic. As an assistant coach for the Boys High School division at Summer Classic, Featherston had asked organizer Keith “Bugsy” Goldberg if his Special Olympians could have a part in it. Without hesitation, Goldberg agreed.
They tapped longtime basketball player, coach and Lincoln High School physical education teacher, Skippy, who has experience working with special needs children, and several years running her own basketball clinic, to be the referee. Through Skippy’s Basketball Clinic and the Phil Hughes family, in memory of William Hughes, sponsorship for the league was locked in, allowing the athletes to play and receive team uniforms, making the effort official.
For Skippy Doyle, it’s another way for her to give back in a meaningful way. “Being part of this means everything. My mom, Bernadette, was a nurse. I watched her take care of patients for 53 years, and I feel like this is another way of helping others. As long as I can give back to the kids, I’m happy about that,” Doyle said. “I want to make sure everyone gets a chance to shoot and score. It gives them a sense of accomplishment. Even if they miss, I feel they’re still having fun. I explain that they have to dribble, and they learn the basic rules, but ultimately you want them to just enjoy it.”
Featherston says it wouldn’t be possible without the help of dedicated volunteers like Skippy and the coaches, Ray Otton, Patti, Patrick and Theresa Trainor, Bill Armstrong, Cathy and John Tipaldo, Jay Burke, Nicole Printz, Deirdre Roberts, Amber Walters, Russel Hauk and Christine Parchment, and those who come out to cheer from the sidelines. “Skippy is outstanding, compassionate and she’s aware of all of the different abilities of the players and she makes them all feel capable of successfully making a basket,” he said. “Skippy and the coaches being out on the court make it feel like a real game, with scores on the scoreboard and the spectators from the community cheering. They have really made it a supportive atmosphere. Everyone cheers with every basket, which makes the athletes feel really special.”
For Featherston, seeing that support and the smiles on the athletes’ faces is the best part. “Number one is seeing them have fun. That’s what life’s all about. Seeing them being happy with each other and proud of themselves. Number two is seeing that the community at large, including many young people, are seeing that the Special Olympics athletes are regular human beings who can succeed at sports and in general when they’re given the chance to showcase those abilities,” he said.
Featherston and Doyle hope even more people come out to fill the gym and see what these athletes can do. And next year, they hope to see the season extended beyond four games, so the athletes get more time on the court, and in turn, more time for support. “We hope to get more people coming to cheer them on and I’d love to see the season extended longer,” Doyle said. Featherson added, “Anyone who wants to come enjoy the game of basketball and see some amazing shots by young people with a wide variety of abilities, come on down.”
Head to the SFDS gym on Thursdays, August 13 and August 20 at 6:30 p.m. to cheer on the Special Olympics division at the Summer Classic!
Photos by Ray Otton and Katie McFadden.
