Bob Mayersohn
Photo Courtesy of Parkland Buddy Sports
In Parkland, a simple idea has grown into a community fixture: pair children and young adults with cognitive or developmental disabilities with dedicated “buddies,” put them on a field or court and watch confidence, friendship and joy take shape. That’s the spirit behind Parkland Buddy Sports, Inc.
Since 2002, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit has provided peer-to-peer sports programming to special-needs participants ages 5 through young adulthood and volunteer opportunities for “buddy” students and adults. Its mission is to foster a fun, empowering environment built on friendship and sportsmanship.
The organization’s motto, “No Limits,” reflects its belief that every player, volunteer and coach has the chance to reach their full potential each time they step onto the field or court.
President Bob Mayersohn, who has been involved since the beginning as a parent, coach and board member, explains that Parkland Buddy Sports originally operated under Parkland Soccer, and later as the city’s special-needs basketball program.
“After a few years of doing that, [the volunteer board members] wanted to break out on our own and expand the offerings,” explains Mayersohn, a Parkland resident and former city commissioner. “The first year as an independent organization, we ran soccer, basketball and flag football, followed by other recreational programs, like tennis.”
Tri-county students — who join for the community service hours but stay “for the love,” Mayersohn says — and adult participants have made it possible to add pickleball, yoga, golf, running, kickball and even taekwondo. For many, the bonds they form with players become the most meaningful part of their experience.
Mayersohn notes that the nonprofit continues to grow organically through word of mouth, though recruiting the hundreds of volunteers needed each year and finding adequate field space remain ongoing challenges.
Despite its growth, the organization has stayed true to one core value: keeping every program free. That commitment is made possible by grants, sponsorships from companies such as Sprouts and FPL, donations from families and annual fundraisers, including the Valentine’s Dance on Feb. 15 and the Pickleball Invitational on March 7.
“Parkland Buddy Sports is a great way to see your child with special needs participate in a program, and the transformations are extraordinary,” Mayersohn says. “We teach skills and sportsmanship to the players and have learned that one person has the ability to change the life of another.”
For more information or to support Parkland Buddy Sports, Inc., please email info@parklandbuddysports.com or visit parklandbuddysports.org.