Hockomock YMCA's Integration Program Visits Pats Training Camp

From NE Pats:: Rain or shine, Patriots fans know how to stick it out for their team. Despite the threat of rain and the eventual downpour on Saturday, Aug. 4, participants from the Hockomock YMCA’s Integration Initiative trained their eyes to the field as players ran through a series of drills.

The Integration Initiative gives kids, teens and young adults with special needs and their families a chance to interact and build relationships with their typically-developed peers through comprehensive and unique programs. “They’re so excited to be here,” Senior Director of Inclusion and Diversity Sheila Burgess said. “It’s just a wonderful opportunity, and they really appreciate it too.” Though many of the day’s participants kept their eyes glued to the practice field, there was a noticeable shift in energy as familiar faces from the Patriots organization both past and present walked by. There were audible gasps when owner Robert Kraft stopped by to greet the group and take photos, and there were plenty of cheers when former linebacker Tedy Bruschi and cornerback Ty Law said, “hello.”

The Patriots have built a strong relationship with the Hockomock YMCA in Foxborough. Over the years, several Patriots have been honored at their Legends Ball, which helps to fund the YMCA’s programs like the Integration Initiative. Current players Devin McCourty and Matthew Slater have both been recognized for their work in the community, as well as former players like Rob Ninkovich and Nate Solder. This is the fourth year in a row that the Hockomock YMCA has attended Training Camp. “It’s so wonderful for the kids because they feel a sense of importance by having these relationships with these players,” Burgess said. “I see the players; they look for these kids at events. So it gives them such a sense of being valued, and they don’t get a lot of opportunity for that.” Some of those who participated in the Hockomock YMCA’s Integration Initiative from a young age now work with the organization.

“It means that I am helping people out,” said Martin Conroy, who began participating in the program as a child and is now an employee of the YMCA. “Looking back at it at the end of the day, it feels like I’ve accomplished something.”

As things wrapped up on Saturday, the energy that ebbed and flowed throughout the roughly hour-and- a-half practice increased as a few well-known supporters of the Hockomock YMCA made their way over to visit the group. Devin McCourty, Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia, Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores, wide receiver Julian Edelman and rookie linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley stopped by to greet the special guests, sign a few autographs and snap some photos.

“It’s a great feeling to know that you’re being looked at as a role model and you have an opportunity to make an impact however big or small it is,” Bentley said. “Having an impact on somebody’s life no matter how big or small is something that you can’t take back.” Though the rain started to fall on an otherwise very exciting day, it wasn’t enough to dampen the moods of the community that means so much to the Hockomock YMCA. For more information about the YMCA’s Integration Initiative and the Legends Ball, visit https://www.hockymca.org/foxboro/legends-events. Lauren Williams is a staff writer for Patriots Lifestyle on www.Patriots.com.

Images via Patriots