In today’s Item you will read about a new program created by the Picayune Youth Athletic Association.
The Buddy Ball program was inspired by PYAA officials who wanted to give children and adults with special needs the chance to participate in sports.
Each child or adult will be paired with a volunteer who will help them swing the bat, pitch the ball and run to the bases.
More often than not, children with special needs are excluded from such events because of certain restrictions like wheelchairs.
Instead, they watch from the sidelines as their brothers and sisters would play a rousing game of baseball and softball.
Now, they have the opportunity to play and the best part is that this program is offered at no charge.
In Dec. 2015, a handicap accessible swing was installed at Friendship Park, which gives children, confined to wheelchairs the ability to swing.
We are pleased to see the efforts being made by officials within this city to provide amenities to those with special needs.
It must bring joy to their parents when they witness the joy on their child’s face as they swing on a swing set for the first time or participate in a baseball or softball game.
This program is open to special needs children and adults throughout Pearl River and Hancock Counties.
The PYAA is seeking volunteers for the program so we encourage people who have an interest to sign up and help make dreams come true.
The Item applauds the PYAA for creating this program and we are looking forward to covering opening day in March.