Adaptive Tee-Ball play starting in July at Munson Park
A new, free Adaptive Tee-Ball program begins next month.
Drop-in sessions will run from 10 to 11:30 a.m. each Saturdays, July 16 through Aug. 6, at Munson Park.
The program is offered by the Monroe Family YMCA and the City of Monroe’s Parks and Recreation department. Earlier this year, the Y assumed responsibility for organizing the city's recreational sports programs.
“We are very excited about the program," said Amanda Schmitz, social responsibility and community outreach director at the Y. "We have received requests to provide adaptive programming in the past. Our partnership with the City of Monroe is permitting us to expand our program offerings for all."
Staff from both organizations helped created the pilot program. Schmitz believes it's the only one in the area.
“We strive to offer inclusive programs, meet the needs of the community and try to ensure needed services are not duplicated,” Schmitz said. “Hawk Mielke, community recreation and youth sports director, and Jason Heinzerling, youth ball coordinator, recognized the program as an opportunity, as we are unaware of others in the area.”
All youth with special needs can participate. Participants can have developmental, physical or multiple special needs. Walkers and wheelchairs are welcome.
The focus will be on school-age children, ages 5-12. Players can bring their own equipment, but that is not required.
Admission is free; donations to support the Youth Sports Program will be accepted. Registration is not required.
“The drop-in structure of the program encourages youth to come to as many sessions as desired," Schmitz said.
Players will learn skills like hitting and fielding, and the basic rules of tee-ball. Play is non-competitive. YMCA staff will coach.
“All staff have expertise as players and as high-quality sports instructors. All coaches receive a variety of trainings, including a high-level adaptive needs training,” Schmitz said.
A parent or adult guardian must attend with each child.
“(They are) required to be present for the duration of the program, in the event that additional support and guidance with individual circumstances is required,” Schmitz said.
She’s hoping for a good turnout.
“We are uncertain of exact participant counts. However, the program has been welcomed with positivity and excitement, so we are hopeful for robust participation,” Schmitz.
One local mom, Lauryn Reau, is looking forward to attending.
“Thank you, Monroe Family YMCA and Monroe Parks and Recreation for making it possible for all children to participate in sports. As a mom of a child with special needs, I couldn't be more proud of our community for putting this on. This means more to our family than you will ever know. We will see you in July,” Reau said.
The Y has offered two other adaptive sports programs in the past.
“We offered a sport sampler program and, more recently, piloted a swim lessons for diverse abilities,” Schmitz said. “There was certainly a consistent interest in (these) offerings. We are excited to expand.”
More options could be added in the future.
“We are hopeful this pilot proves to be of interest to those in our community. We are certainly open to offering adaptive programs for other sports. We will identify the needs of the community based on the feedback of the tee-ball program,” Schmitz said.
For more information, visit monroefamilyymca.org or contact Hawk Mielke at (734) 241-260,6 ext. 239 or hawkmielke@monroefamilyymca.org.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Adaptive Tee-Ball play starting in July at Munson Park
