GoodLifeFamilyMag.com SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 67 EMBRACE! Alec and Maddie Coleman and David Former Kiwanis president, Russell Waite, says “Those of us who manage the program have watched kids grow over the years from not talking to offering a high five when they show up to play. They start afraid of everything and grow into kids who take a big swing at the proverbial (and real) ball.” Carolyn wanted Matthew to have camaraderie with other kids, especially since he’s an only child, but the benefits of playing have gone so much farther than that for their family. She says Matthew has had the opportunity to see he’s not the only one with special needs. He’s learned things like being patient and taking turns; he’s made amazing connections with his high school buddies, and he’s really proud of himself when he hits the ball. For her, it’s also the camaraderie she’s developed with the other parents who “are walking on the same path you’re on, on the same journey.” Sitting in the stands watching their kids play, they have the chance to connect as well. Angel League has been a perfect fit for Matthew, but for some kids, especially those who are higher functioning, they may crave more competition. Sebastian, age 15, has autism, and his mom Heather says that though she appreciates the positive message of some adapted programs, “When your kid is competitive, it’s hard if the other kids aren’t.” She has always tried to mainstream her son as often as possible, so when he began expressing an interest in swimming, she actively searched for programs that would allow him to progress at his own pace but in a competitive environment with typical- developing kids. The Plano Parks and Recreation summer swim program has been a great fit. They checked out the recreation center and the pool before classes started, and she talked with the coaches about Sebastian—how he might not talk much but is very capable and that he needs gentle pushing—and they decided together on the best class for him. “He wants to improve. He’s very cognizant of what he needs to learn,” she says. Ultimately, she hopes it will give him new skills he can use in other circumstances. Thirteen-year-old Braden Veronie certainly has the same competitive drive. Whether on the court or on the baseball diamond, his small stature hasn’t slowed him down. His dad Steve says, “He’s going to have to face challenges. We wanted him to know there are no limitations for him. He can do whatever he sets his mind to. We just tell him, ‘You may just have to work harder to achieve the same thing.’” Braden competes on teams for both sports with his average-sized peers. He says sometimes he even has an advantage. “In basketball it’s easier for me to take the ball from people.” And in baseball, “I get walked a lot” because his strike zone is much smaller. Braden also competed this summer in the Dwarf World Games in Canada in basketball for the New York Towers team. Steve says it’s nice for him to have the chance to play with other kids of his size and stature and that it’s fun to watch how competitive those games are. These student-athletes are proving to themselves, their parents, their buddies and their peers that they are capable of accomplishing amazing things. Carolyn may sum it up best: “Seeing my son make progress and being proud of himself, doing activities that typical kids do, and having such a great time, that’s what it’s all about.” “He’s going to have to face challenges. We wanted him to know there are no limitations for him. He can do whatever he sets his mind to.” -SteveVeronie,dadofthirteen-year-oldBradenshownhere,andprovingthathissmall stature is not slowing him down. Angel League softball player Matthew with his "buddies" Sebastian and Nina. Their dedicated assistance has helped Matthew become a true athlete. Matthew Braden Playingsports improves cardiovascular health, coordination, agilityand balance. Playingsports teaches teamwork andgives opportunities forsocial interaction.