Brotherly Love: Sports For Disabled Kids

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Oct 7, 2009 4:49 pm US/Eastern

Brotherly Love: Sports For Disabled Kids

Reporting
Dave Huddleston

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: For kids with disabilities, joining a typical school sports team is not always possible. That's where a free alternative program is helping kids.
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Holy Terrors S.T.A.R.S

For kids with disabilities, joining a typical school sports team is not always possible. That's where a free alternative program is helping kids. This sports league doesn't hold competitions or tournaments. Instead, it has lots of noisy fun.

Friday night is game night at the John Perzel Center's gym in Mayfair. But this game night is a little different.

Cyndi Hinchey, a mom who has two sons with autism, started this league so kids ages 3 to 18 with disabilities could enjoy sports.

They can "play sports like a typical child would and not have to worry about the cruelty of society," said Hinchey.

Hinchey calls them the Holy Terrors S.T.A.R.S., and Mike Votel helps coach them.

"It only took about five seconds to realize this what I wanted to do," said Votel.

Every Friday, Coach Mike, as he's known, helps a few dozen kids run hurdles -- or walk them, depending on their abilities. The kids also play basketball or whiffle ball.

Everyone can play their own way, at their own speed.

"It's a little helter skelter, but it's okay that way. The kids are enjoying themselves," said Votel.

They're also getting exercise and lessons in socializing.

"This place is big and wonderful. I get to hang out with all my friends!" said 17-year-old Jackie Lloyd.

Parents like Adam Wilder see the changes in their kids.

"When he first came in he couldn't come close to reaching a 6-foot basket," said Wilder of his son, Dalton. "Now he's actually making baskets on a 10-foot hoop."

The kids love it—and love Coach Mike.

"He's fun to be with," said 6-year-old Erin McGinniss.

"The kids just love coming here," said Mike Votel. "They know they're accepted here."

Success can be celebrated without keeping score.

Cyndi and Coach Mike hope to inspire others to start similar sports programs for kids with disabilities.

Do you know people doing good in the community? Nominate them for Brotherly Love!