The COVID-induced closure of the Westport Weston Family YMCA is tough on many members who miss their regular gym and swim workouts, spin and yoga classes, and much more.
It’s especially hard on the few dozen young people engaged in the Y’s Unified Program, which pairs special needs athletes with partners. Led by Danette Meigel and staff, they join in weekly basketball, swimming and track practices, and compete in tournaments and meets throughout the year.
The Unified Program brings competition, structure, friendship and joy to all involved. For many special needs youngsters — and their dedicated volunteers — it’s a highlight of their lives.
In late March, as schools, sports and almost everything else — including the Y –shut down, head youth volunteer Oliver Clachko contacted Danette. He wanted to bring the Unified athletes together through Zoom meetings.
Danette loved the idea. Quickly, her staff devised a plan.
Every Saturday since early April, Danette, coaches Marta Taddeo, Christophe Esposito and Shannon Connors, and teen volunteers including Oliver, Max Udell, Ryan Weil, Layne Yacenda, Julian Frucht and Hugh Hutchinson, have led virtual Unified basketball practices for their special needs friends.
Oliver Clachko leading a virtual basketball practice, from home.
They begin by socializing — much needed by all, in these times of isolation. Next come warm-ups and simple basketball drills. None require a hoop; most don’t even use a basketball.
They finish by asking the young athletes what drill or exercise they want to do next week.
From only one attendee the first week, the number has grown steadily. It’s a steady presence — but that’s not all. This Sunday (May 17), the Y Unified Program begins a dry land swim session.
Also in the works: a Unified Sports game night (with pizza!), and “virtual Special Olympics” (a 5K run/walk in your neighborhood or on a treadmill) in June.
The Westport Y Unified Program is very special, for sure.
For more information or to volunteer, email dmeigel@westporty.org.
Screen shot of a Unified Sports Zoom session.
Since quarantine, I’ve had the pleasure to work even closer to my colleague Danette Meigel and I’ve come to realize even more, how kind and hard-working she is. It’s beautiful to see how truly dedicated she is to this special needs group and all the youth in her program.
She is a gem in our YMCA organization.
AND DON’T FORGET PATTY KONDUB’S AQUAFITNESS PROGRAM AT NOON ON FACEBOOK. SHE’S A GEM