No More Sidelines (NMS), founded by Cyndi Blair in response to her daughter Alivia’s social challenges due to cerebral palsy, autism, and cognitive delays, has grown from a small group of six children in 2005 to nearly 300 active participants today. This vibrant community provides children and young adults with special needs the opportunity to engage in a wide array of activities, from sports to cultural events, fostering inclusivity and understanding between them and their typically developing peers.
One of those many events, was a basketball game, scheduled for the halftime of the Varsity Girls Montague V Orchard View game. The game would include some of those 300 members playing basketball with a crowd and student section cheering them on. Just like any other kid would get, if they were playing in a high school varsity basketball game. Which is exactly the mission of NMS.
Cyndi Blair, Founder and Executive Director of NMS, shared her motivation: “These kids don’t always get the same opportunities as you and I do, so I just want to make sure it happens for them.” Her dedication was evident as she reached out to every athletic director in the county to make this game possible, emphasizing the mutual benefits for all athletes involved.
The game itself was a spectacle of community and the mission of NMS, with one memorable moment being a three-pointer by Jeff, an NMS participant. His shot not only scored points but also won hearts, as evidenced by the roaring approval from the gym and the high-fives from the student section as he jogged back to his team.
The enthusiasm continued throughout the game, with numerous highlights that caught the attention of SportsNet Crew, who compiled a special highlight video of the event. Jeff, in his post-game interview, encapsulated the event perfectly “Just playing in front of these people…it was fun.”
CatchMark SportsNet is proud to cover these uplifting events and supports No More Sidelines in its continued efforts to enrich lives. For more information about the organization or to get involved, visit nomoresidelines.org.
Thank you to Jess DeBruin, Montague Varsity Head Girls Basketball Coach, who brought the game to the attention of CatchMark SportsNet.
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