Fayetteville Today

City of Fayetteville issued the following announcement on Sep 10. 

Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation (FCPR) Adaptive Sports athletes resume play Saturday, September 11. Anyone is welcome to watch the Flag Football games at the universally accessible field outside Massey Hill Recreation Center. Game times are 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Four flag football teams will compete. Children ages 5+ will play. Media members are welcome. The address is 1612 Camden Road, Fayetteville, NC 28306.

This will be the first time since the onset of the pandemic that FCPR Buddy Sports will take place. The purpose of Buddy Sports is to give children with disabilities the chance to learn the basics of their sport, to promote skill development, cooperation and friendship. The primary emphasis, while the game is taught, is for children to have fun, get exercise and become a part of the team. Registered athletes are paired with a “buddy” from the community who can assist them during play. In the past, buddies have included fraternity members and high school football players.

“I am excited to see participants playing and enjoying themselves while their families cheer and provide support,” Assistant Recreation Supervisor Christopher Woodard said. “Our volunteers have been awesome in the past and they have shown up again this year. Buddy Sports provides everyone with an experience that brings a smile to their face.” Woodard leads the Buddy Sports program.

Registration for the Flag Football program is closed. Registration for winter Buddy Basketball opens in October. Only one Buddy Sport is played per season (Flag Football, Basketball, Baseball, Indoor Soccer). Visit https://www.fcpr.us/athletics/adaptive-sports-3048 to learn more about the league, what is needed for registration or to volunteer.

Media members who plan to attend Saturday’s game can RSVP to nacarlawebb@fayettevillenc.gov. You will receive contact information for the FCPR representative who will be on site and can arrange interviews with participants.

Original source can be found here.