Buddy Ball makes baseball accessible to all
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From left, Fernondo Harrison, Lucas Crain, Derrick Beddoes, Raelyne Harrison are among the participants in the city recreation department’s new Buddy Ball program.
From left, Fernondo Harrison, Lucas Crain, Derrick Beddoes, Raelyne Harrison are among the participants in the city recreation department’s new Buddy Ball program.
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Moab City Recreation this year launched a new Buddy Ball program for boys and girls, age 5-12, who want to enjoy the game of baseball regardless of their physical or mental ability. 

This league makes allowance for a “buddy” to help the player swing a bat, round the bases, and catch a ball,. There are no restrictions to the age of the buddy, and league organizers have been recruiting same-age peers to assist during games, organizers said.

As a special educator at Red Rock Elementary, Johnna Denny says she saw a need for this type of program.

“I have encouraged my students to participate in city recreation athletic programs, but sometimes organized sports are too competitive and intimidating for children with special needs to want to participate in,” Denny said. “This is why I am spearheading this new venture with the support from the Moab City Recreation department.”

Bambino Buddy Ball allows challenged or special needs athletes to develop confidence and positive self-esteem, Denny said. “It allows them to be part of organized sports and assists with physical fitness as well as their social skills,” she said, calling the program an “emotionally rewarding experience for everyone.”

“It allows the buddies to feel good about helping their friends with challenges, while at the same time making it a fun and memorable time for all,” Denny said.

Denny said all students should have the opportunity to be cheered and encouraged to do their best in the classroom and on the field. Volunteers have been recruited to assist with the organization, parents to ensure child participation, buddies for the athletes, and older students with special needs to help coach, keep score, and umpire the games, she said.

The inaugural Buddy Ball season, sponsored by a donation from WabiSabi, got underway June 5 and will run in conjunction with the regular city recreation baseball and softball league schedule until mid-July.

Games are played every Friday starting at 7 p.m. Teams are divided up based upon the participants who show up for the games, and everyone will have a chance to bat, field, and be part of a team, Denny said.
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