Valley Chabad’s Friendship Circle was excited to launch its 2015 winter season Sports League for children and teens with special needs on Sunday, January 25th with over 50 participants and volunteers.

The Sports League, now beginning its 8th year, offers a full range of main stream activities such as basketball, soccer, T-ball, and other recreational sports for children and teens with special needs. Under the Woodcliff Lake Basketball Association, children and teens will have an opportunity to practice the rules, techniques of sports, have a chance to dribble, shoot, and score on a team. The volunteer professional coaches, Dick Strick and Steve Brodsky of Woodcliff Lake, and Bruce Fixelle of Hillsdale, guide the teen volunteers and their special friends to develop skills, confidence, engage in physical health, and friendship. The children with special needs enjoy the thrill of being on a team in a safe and non-competitive atmosphere where they experience all aspects of team play, from wearing a uniform to feeling the accomplishment of receiving a trophy all while having a whole lot of fun! All sessions are held at the Dorchester School Gym in Woodcliff Lake and run on various dates through March 8th.

The Friendship Circle, run by Valley Chabad, is a meaningful program that pairs teenage volunteers with children and teens with special needs. This program reaches out and extends warmth, friendship, and support to children and their families, and is open to the entire community regardless of affiliation or religion.

The Friendship Circle serves a dual purpose and enriches all who participate. The teenagers’ role is to play and interact with the child, thus giving the parents a much needed respite. The teenager learns the value of giving and cherishes the experience of making a difference in a child’s life.

The Friendship Circle hopes to impact the future by making a difference in the lives of children and teens in the community and helping them to form a special bond.

To participate, support, or to volunteer in this sports program or any other Friendship Circle activity, email Estie Orenstein at [email protected]