Filling that Sense of Purpose No matter how old or young we are, or what gender, or what we do in life, we all need to have a sense of purpose.  We want to feel as though we matter and that others see something positive in us. We want to belong. It’s no secret that people who have a sense of purpose are healthier both physically and mentally. Why? Because those without a sense…

Benefits of Individualized Instruction in Sports We are all used to receiving guidance in our lives: over loudspeakers in airports about terminal changes, from teachers providing directions to students before taking a test, or by skimming the written instructions that come with a new board game. Usually, we don’t stop and think about the fact that these instructions are provided in a format designed to communicate to the majority. This is the case in many…

Self-esteem, self-respect, and self-worth are important areas of development as we grow. They are also areas in which we’ve all experienced difficulty at some point in our lives. Just think of your junior-high years, and you’ll likely recognize what I mean. Many children with special needs, however, struggle with these areas on a regular basis, not just during a few gangly pre-teen years. Add in bullying, which occurs far more often than we usually realize,…

Many blog posts and articles focus on the impressive benefits of physical activity and developmental programs for children who have special needs. It’s helpful to read how these programs are resulting in growth, learning, physical development, and increased self-confidence. But in a family where special needs kids are present, everyone’s life is different and has challenging moments, not just the life of the one with special needs. Parents, in particular, can experience the gamut of…

The weekend. This small phrase could evoke relaxing thoughts or overwhelming weariness. The upheaval of the normal schedule for two days can be tricky to navigate for families of special needs individuals, where routine often brings a sense of security and normalcy. To avoid utter boredom, frantic mayhem, or anything in between on the weekend, it’s helpful to find scheduled, supervised, engaging, and fun activities. So far, this all makes sense. But add in the…

Drive through almost any neighborhood or even commercial areas with recreation facilities, and you’ll notice a common item: basketball hoops. Many kids grow up casually shooting hoops in the driveway or playing a pickup game with friends. Even kids who don’t know the rules of the game have probably played a variation of Knock-Out or H-O-R-S-E during P.E. or day camps. Special needs kids may feel unwanted and inadequate during these games, whether friendly or…

Unfamiliar things come into everyone’s life on a daily basis. For most of us, these unfamiliar things do not cause too much confusion. However, for the special needs child, anything that is unfamiliar has the potential to become a huge challenge for them. Some will get frustrated trying. Some will look at it from every angle and try to figure it out. And some will just curl up and not even attempt to figure out…

The opportunity to participate in track and field events is one of the greatest ways to improve health physically and emotionally. Everyone can benefit from physical exercise, team effort, perseverance, companionship, and establishing and accomplishing goals; however, special needs individuals must work additionally hard at conquering obstacles and cultivating a spirit of friendly competition, both of which will carry over into other areas of life. When choosing a track and field activity for your special…

Special needs kids often don’t play team (or even individual) sports at school, so they aren’t given the opportunity to get to know people of all abilities over the fun of playing a game. Volunteering to help in special needs sports involves understanding how to include those with differing levels of ability in ways society should but often doesn’t. A vivid example of this is the Special Olympics Unified Sports, which promotes teamwork by playing…

As part of the childhood rite of passage and growing up, each kid should have the chance to experience the fun of playing sports and the confidence and sense of belonging it can bring. Many sports can be adapted for special needs children and adults. For example, those in wheelchairs can play basketball or take up modified track and field, and those with limb loss or prosthetics can participate in therapeutic horseback riding or swimming.…

Social and communication skills are vital for everyone to learn as they grow, but such skills can be especially challenging to master for children and adults with special needs. By giving them a helping hand, they will make relational connections with lessening difficulty and meet others with the same interests and opinions as themselves. Teaching Social Communication The ability to look people in the eye is key to making them feel they are being paid…

Special Needs Summer Programs How would your child like to spend his or her summer? Most would enjoy going to camp, no matter age or ability. In fact, there are a wide variety of summer camps and programs designed specifically for special needs individuals--something for everyone from Down’s syndrome and autism to limb loss and cardiac patient. Whether the program you choose focuses on medical recuperation, sports and outdoor events, or learning assistance and tutoring,…

Since 1968 the Special Olympics has grown to include more than 170 countries and over 30 different sports. Evident in the stories of the many athletes, the confidence that training and competing in Special Olympics sports builds often helps those with special needs face challenges and obstacles in their daily lives. In addition, the special Olympics events are an ideal way for volunteer workers, special needs participants, and the families and friends who cheer them…

There are many activities that special needs children can do with their moms to show their appreciation on Mother’s Day. The objective is to provide an enjoyable time for moms and their children with special needs, to enhance the motor and cognitive skills of the child, and to increase social interaction. You want to make sure it’s an enjoyable experience for everyone by taking into consideration safety factors, the child’s abilities, and their interests. The…

As a neurobiological disorder that affects every area of life, autism is associated with lifelong traits that include heavily repetitive behavior, fixed regimens, struggles to communicate, and underdeveloped social skills. While standard behavioral therapies have proven successful in helping reduce the extremities of these traits as well as focusing on expanding mental and emotional skills, studies have shown that by adding socialization/recreation or sports programs, not as a substitute therapy but an additive, children with…

Learning to whistle, tying shoelaces, or turning a somersault are all childhood milestones every boy or girl wants to grasp because everyone else can do it. Learning to bike ride is one such rite of passage, but for those with special needs—each of which has a unique set of challenges to overcome like limited mobility, sensory difficulties, or communication/social deficiencies—the opportunity may not always present itself. A study conducted by the University of Michigan reported…

Sports and recreation for children and adults with special needs. Author: Michael Furino - Be The Best Sport Executive Director Studies have shown that children and adults with special needs face the same obesity risks as other peers, but have a larger set of factors that affect and may limit them. As a result, the types of foods they eat or activities they participate in may have a direct correlation. Some of these factors include:…

Kiley Lyall, 24 will be the first women ever with Autism to be featured on a national fitness magazine cover! Kiley is a marathon runner that won the people's choice vote to be featured on the magazine cover, which will be on stands December 22nd. Kiley found her passion for running while running the last portion of the relay race at the Special Olympics when she was 8 years old. She helped her team win…

Shariff Williams as his parents describe him is a miracle. At 9 years old, he as proved that he is stronger than ever. Shariff's story was highlights by TODAY's "Together We Make Football" series. Doctors told Shariff's parents that he would never be able to walk or talk due to his Autism and Tourette's Syndrome diagnosis. However, today with the love and support of his family, friends and the Panhandle Youth Football league, Shariff joins…

Submitted by Munsey Park Women's Club Manhasset Press November 18 - 24, 2015   Every year the Munsey Park Women's Club (MPWC) reaches out to the community to search for philanthropic opportunities. They ask residents of Manhasset to apply for a grant that will help support a cause that benefits the residents of Munsey Park and/or Manhasset. The grants are then reviewed and one or two are chosen by the MPWC board. Valerie Siener, the cochair…

  Martial Arts, even though not considered a "sport", provides many physical benefits for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is said that children with ASD have difficulties with social interaction and communication with peers within a social setting. Some children may also display "obsessive" repetitive words, phrases and movements. However, you may think "well Martial Arts involves repetitive sequences and movements, how is that helpful?" Martial Arts provides many benefits for children with ASD…

https://youtu.be/rUUxU0hCMMY?list=UU3FPy4hb6A_0IkT0WVfxeQA Autism Speaks, Ad Council and BBDO have united to create a series of Public Service Announcements designed to help parents recognize signs of Autism and take action. The PSA was inspired by real stories from children with ASD told from the child's perspective using 3D and stop-motion animation. These new PSA's are an extension of BBDO's campaign "Learn the Signs", which has taught many parents to recognize early signs of Autism. For more information…

For any child learning how to ride a bike is a struggle, and can definitely be stressful for both the child and the parent. There are so many great benefits for learning how to ride a bike but for children on the spectrum it can be very hard to learn. However, here are some great reasons to get your children excited to learn how to ride a bike. Keeping Kids Active For many children with…

Heritage High School Senior, Logan Pickett, 18, is an inspiration not only in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia but around the country as his performance on and off the football field has made headlines. As reported by 13 WMAZ News, Logan is the Heritage Football Team Manger, known for his catch phrase "Let me hear you" as he cheers on his teammates, and gets the crowd on their feet. Last week, Heritage Football Coach E.K. Slaughter…

As we all know staying active is extremely healthy for all children. It helps them maintain a healthy lifestyle and establishes a routine. For children with Autism is may be a little difficult to enroll them into team sports, especially if it involves constant social interaction and communication with teammates. However, there are many sports that are great for children that keep them active with less communication needed. One sport is Track and Field.  Keeps…

We all know that Rowing is a great exercise for everyone and any age. Rowing is a sport that not only focuses on building your muscles but it also focuses on building team work and self confidence. Rowing also provides many benefits for children that are on the Autism spectrum. Here are some benefits; 1. Improving Muscle Tone Rowing is an extensive work out. Many people believe that Rowing is just beneficial for improving upper…

As parents we look to ensure that our children maintain a healthy lifestyle that they both love and enjoy.  We all know that maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is beneficial for all men, women, and children but staying active has many benefits for children on the Autism Spectrum. Benefits Of Exercise Exercise has shown to provide benefits for children on the Autism Spectrum in many ways. Routine exercise not only provides physical benefits but…

Watch Be The Best Sport on Verizon FiOS1 on the weekly special "Heroes On Our Island"

Great honor for our organization to be recognized at the Woodbury Ball For Autism this April. Thank you North Shore Autism Circle for everything and for helping us provide recreational sports opportunities for under serviced children in the community.

Be The Best Sport is now offering programs at the Mid-Island Y JCC in Plainview! Please check out the flyer below and contact the Mid-Island Y JCC to Register Your Child For A Program!  

Manhasset Press - October 2, 2014     All special needs children ages 4-11 are invited to join in the All Sports party events held by Manhasset SEPTA this November. There event will be held at Unlimited Sports Action in an indoor sports facility. Adaptive sports experts from Be The Best Sport will run the party. The party will be held on Saturday, November 8, from 3:00pm-4:30pm for children 8-11. The event will be 1-hour…

Get Sporty, Get Social! Article Written By: Alexis Burke   August 8, 2014 The difficulty to find appropriate exercise activities is common for parents of children with Autism. Be The Best Sport encourages inclusiveness and the opportunity to express themselves through drills and exercises that help enhance basic athletic skills. Be The Best Sport’s Summer Multi-Sport Program combines learning activities in a small classroom setting with team-based drills and games on the playing field. Be…

Be The Best Sport Awarded Grant From The Community Chest of Port Washington for $4,000 July 8, 2014 Port Washington, NY. (July 8, 2014)- Be The Best Sport, an adaptive sports program for children with special needs, is pleased to announce it has received a $4,000 grant from The Community Chest of Port Washington. Funds will support the organization’s multi-sport program for ages 3-7. Through Multi-Sport activities, children are introduced to baseball, basketball, football, and…

          On Saturday, May 31 the Long Island Special Olympics hosted its yearly basketball tournament at the John Venditto Athletic Center in Hicksville, Long Island. A total of twelve teams from Long Island and one from Canada played in the tournament. The teams were split into an A, B, C or D division based on the team’s skill level.           Be The Best Sport, a local team…

Manhasset At Independence Party's Party Written By: Manhasset Press Staff May 28, 2014 Manhasset residents Mamie and Matthew Fulgieri as well as Al Sontag were among those attending the Nassau County Independence Party's fourth Annual Spring reception recently held at Oheka Castle in Huntington. Nassau County Independence Party Chairman Rick Bellando and North Hempstead Leader Matthew Fulgieri presented the party's Freedom Award to Be The Best Sport , a Port Washington-based group that facilitates sports programs…

  On January 25, Be The Best Sport’s Basketball team played at halftime at the CW Post vs Queens College Division 2 basketball game. Players from the basketball program played their hearts out in what was a very close 10 minute halftime game with a score of 10-6. Players included: Gabe Corzo, Peter Giannios, Anthony Garcia, Marc Purcell, Andrew Goldberg, Ryan Vella, Ryan Hason, Nicholas Petri, Jake Koukou, Kate Brown Andrew Gillette, and Daniel Albeg. CW…

This past month, Be The Best Sport entered into the Long Island Special Olympics Competition at Great Neck North High School. The event had over 100 participants competing in both the Skills Challenge and the Basketball Tournament. The gym was filled with enthusiastic parents, athletes, volunteers and coaches cheering on their team and showing their undying support and dedication. Be The Best Sport’s basketball team did a fantastic job in the Skills Challenge and received…

St. Mary’s Kids Build Social and Athletic Skills All Part of Rehabilitation In an effort to encourage sports and exercise and promote rehabilitation for children with special needs at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children, Be The Best Sport offered their soccer program to patients of all ages. The program consisted of soccer related activities and was adapted to give children with disabilities the opportunity to play sports while building social and athletic skills. Professional coaches…

Congratulations to our student Alvin Abreu for being showcased at the Port Washington Library for his beautiful display of dinosaurs that he created. The display was open to patrons of the Port Washington Public Library in December 2012. Alvin's display shows his true talents and love for dinosaurs. Alvin has been an active participant in the Be The Best Sport enrichment program over the past few months and has shown off his basketball and soccer…

Jake Eisenberg, Sports Editor January 18, 2013 The odds of becoming a professional athlete are around one in 150,000.  The odds of being diagnosed with Autism are one in 150, and the chances of having any special needs issues are even higher. All are welcome at the “Be Your Best Sport” program at Unlimited Sports Action (USA), for which several Schreiber students volunteer. What was originally a program just for those with autism has since grown…

In the Spring of 2012, the Be The Best Sport program became sanctioned as a Special Olympics Training Center and put together a group of seven boys to compete in tournaments as well as skill competitions held throughout the Spring. Be The Best Sport was a great success this spring and we would like to thank all of the athletes that participated in the program. We would also like to congratulate our boys basketball team…

BTBS Newsletter April, May and June are busy months for us here at Be The Best Sport. With many things going on, here are events and news we are excited to share with you!   Honoree at 12th Annual Woodbury Ball For Autism On April 17, 2015 at the 12th annual Woodbury Ball For Autism, Michael Furino, Frank Furino, and Al Sontag of Be The Best Sport were honored for their dedication to helping provide…