Saturday, before my mom and I went to the Street Festival in Picayune, I stopped by Friendship Park to take pictures at the PYAA’s Buddy Ball games.
If you don’t already know, Buddy Ball is a program designed to allow individuals with special needs the opportunity to play softball and baseball. A volunteer buddy helps them hit the ball and will also roll the athletes in their wheelchairs to the bases.
Most of the time, individuals with special needs sit on the sidelines and watch while others play sports.
But now they can play.
The smiles I saw on players’ faces proved this new program is and will be a success.
In December, I was there when the new handicap accessible swing was unveiled at the park. This swing allows children confined to wheelchairs can swing at Friendship Park.
The smile on that little girl’s face as she experienced her first ride on a swing is one I won’t forget.
There are many things being done by officials to enhance the quality of life for residents with special needs.
Everyone should have the opportunity to participate in as many of life’s pleasures as they can, which includes the annual pageant Donna Perkins hosts. Participants sing and dance their way into your hearts, just like many other young men and women who do not have special needs get to do in pageants.
I’m so glad to see these events hosted here in Pearl River County and I think the participants would also agree.