Dan Ockene (left) and P.J. Kennedy play soccer in Stow on Sunday, Nov. 8, as part of the Nashoba Unified Sports Program. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)
Over the last two months, my special-needs daughter Riley has participated in the Nashoba Unified Sports Program playing soccer. The program was conceived by Bob Maoli of Bolton and is coordinated with Joan Finger of the Zooter Group. It is based on the Special Olympics model, wherein it partners children who may have cognitive, neurological or motor delays with an athlete who is typical, or who does not have these delays.
My husband and I have been emotionally overwhelmed by the level of support this program has received from young adults in Harvard, as well as the surrounding communities. They freely and faithfully volunteered their Sunday afternoons (no matter what the weather was) to come and coach these children. They were truly excited to teach them, nurture them and just be their friends. The level of patience these young people exhibited was unbelievable. They made these “special” children feel like a part of a team. I can tell you that was a first for many of the children out there, including my daughter. In an ideal world, children of all backgrounds would be able to participate in the programs that their communities offer. Unfortunately, that is not realistic for many families with a special-needs child. This program was a place where families could go and feel “normal.” We could go and watch our daughter, for the first time in her life, score a goal. The look on her face is one we will never forget. That is why my husband and I want to thank our local young adult volunteers—Dan Ockene, Kate Toll, Ellis Toll, Greg Deer, and Matthew Rowe. They made this program a huge success. I apologize if I left anyone’s name out.
Jamie Allard
West Bare Hill Road
