Milton's Joint Day Of Play Promotes Inclusion On Football Field

MILTON, GA -- Two Milton Parks and Recreation Programs set their differences aside and took part in the city's first-ever joint day of play.

The event, held June 28 at Bell Memorial Park, featured more than 20 campers and staffers from Camp Joyful Soles, a summer day camp serving special needs children 13 to 22 years old, and more than 20 Milton Steelers youth football program athletes and parents who spent the day getting to know each other in a laid-back setting.

The children played kickball, ran relays and mastered a hula hoop game that is a lot like musical chairs. Organized activities were on the agenda, but from time-to-time an impromptu dance party was necessary.

"We didn't know what to expect from this joint event, but we knew we just had to do it," said Director of Parks and Recreation Jim Cregge. "We knew our program partner with the Milton Steelers was committed to the idea and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to share our amazing campers with the Milton community."

The event kicked off with each camper being paired with a buddy from the Milton Steelers. Prior to campers arriving at the park, Camp Joyful Soles staff provided an orientation for the Milton Steelers to help ensure everyone had important insight on campers and their unique needs.

"Serving and making a difference is what the New Found Life Youth Football League is all about," said Tim Lester, league founder, Milton resident and former NFL player. "Our mission is to develop the total person, spirit, mind and body, while building a love for the game."

The day concluded with a sweet treat from Best Ice Cream on Wheels and one final group shot in front of the bus before campers headed back to Hopewell Middle School, home to Milton's Camp Joyful Soles each year.

Cregge and Lester said last month's event won't be a one-time thing. Before the collaboration ended, both men were already discussing next year's event and "reaffirmed their commitment to finding ways to be more inclusive," the city said.

"I'm not sure who had more fun, the adults or children, but watching how quickly these kids bonded and the ease in which they interacted was an amazing experience," said Tom McKlveen, Milton's Camp Joyful Soles coordinator.

Images via city of Milton