Hoops For All is a win for all

Written by SHAUN SMITH Wednesday, February 27, 2013 03:37 pm

All six of the varsity basketball teams gather for a photo.

MARGATE – More than 300 people celebrated the end of the seventh season of Hoops For All with a party for all the participants and their families Sunday, Feb. 24 at the Eugene A. Tighe School gym.
According to program coordinator Marianne Christian, some 126 children with physical or cognitive disabilities enrolled in the program this season. The program began with four teams, and now there are 12.

“It gives them a place where they can play like regular ball where they’re on the court with referees, a time clock, and their parents and guardians on the bench,” Christian said.

She said the program began as a mirror of South Jersey Field of Dreams baseball program for the handicapped, and many of the coaches, board members and volunteers participate in both programs.

“My favorite part is the smiles on both the parents and kids’ faces. To watch the parents cheer for everyone is amazing,” Christian said, “and watching kids develop friendships as they sit on the beach and chitchat.”

Christian thanked the Holy Spirit cheerleading squad, referees, volunteers and sponsors who made the season a success.

See www.southjerseyfieldofdreams.com/hoops-for-all/ for information.

Photos and video by Greg Marino

Members of the JV teams enjoy the end-of-season party and await the awarding of trophies.   Liam Ireland, 12, of Egg Harbor Township accepts his trophy.   George Beattie of Northfield and his daughter Grace, 11, enjoy the celebration.   Friends and family of team members fill the stands.   Madison Raybush, 11, of Sweetwater walks into the end of the season party.   Jacob Hackett, 14, of Absecon looks forward to meeting up with his friends for a final afternoon of the Hoops for All season Sunday.