Although the sun was out this past Sunday, many would have considered it rather brisk if not just plain cold. Spring in Vermont can be that way but it did not discourage over twenty individuals with special needs from enjoying an hour and a half of soccer at St. Michael’s College. The St. Michaels’ women’s soccer team and some players from the men’s team volunteered their time to help all the participants, who ranged from age four to those in their early twenties, have a good time at a program put on by the EDD Fund. The college players divided the younger children from the older children and engaged them in skills and then a scrimmage. The young children were running around, kicking the ball, scoring, and some even practiced goalie skills. All the volunteers displayed incredible spirit, patience, and enthusiasm allowing each participants to engage in soccer to the best of their ability and have an incredible time. All the special needs players did well, continually supported one another and shared both smiles and success. At the end of the clinic, the budding soccer players each received a medal and along with a lot of loud cheering from the St. Michael’s players. And of course, nothing quite finishes the clinic like some pizza, oranges, and water!
All of this was possible due to the local non-profit EDD Fund, an organization that provides recreational and competitive sports programs for young people with disabilities. Their goal is to level the playing field by making sports accessible and fun for children and young adults with disabilities. EDD programs encourage kids to get out and play by offering sports and recreation opportunities that focus on the fun, while adapting to each athlete’s unique abilities. It was founded in memory of Eric Douglas Dettenrieder, a young man who had a passion for skiing who unfortunately passed away at the age of 23 from a skiing accident. Prior to his death he had the opportunity to teach a group of terminally ill children how to ski, an experience that moved him deeply and became the inspiration to create the EDD Memorial Fund. The EDD Fund offers several programs throughout the year to encourage young people with disabilities to engage in sports. They offer 4 clinics in Vermont during the year at St. Michael’s college and Castleton State College.
EDD is definitely a great resource for the community. Another amazing program that caters to children with special needs and the community as a whole! Check them out when they hold another clinic in the fall! Their web-site is http://www.eddfund.org.