Massapequa's Challenger Basketball Team Inspires Others, Raises Funds for Autism

In one of the most exhilarating exhibits of heart and determination, more than 600 spectators filled the stands at Alfred G. Berner Middle School to cheer on Massapequa’s Challenger Basketball Team, made up of special needs students in grades 7-12, as they competed against Seaford in their biggest game of the season.

A culminating event of Spirit Week at Berner, the game epitomizes how students with special needs can participate in mainstream sports, despite their disabilities, and develop skills, such as teamwork, cooperation, focus and grace.

“The event gives students a venue where they can be like everyone else and enjoy a sport like everyone else, and provides a level of acceptance and support from the school community, which is incredibly important to the athletes and their families,” said Coach Kerry Regan, who coordinates the event. “There’s a wide range of skill and needs on the team. To see how far they’ve come is amazing.”

The game, combined with those from the winter sports teams, raised more than $2200 for Autism Speaks, which hosted its worldwide “Light It Up Blue,” campaign on April 1 and 2. Berner Buddies Club also presented Seaford with blue wristbands in honor of the campaign.

In a gym filled with posters, balloons and streamers to mark the event, energy was high as the fans cheered for the teams. Spectators participated in various contests and were given Chiefs gear as an award. The Vocal Points, a Berner vocal club, lent their voices for the National Anthem and the Berner Cheerleaders performed to get the crowd pumping.

Following the Berner Cheerleaders’ lead, the team showed some skills beyond basketball by participating in a flash mob at half-time to Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk,” along with staff, administrators and the Berner Buddies Club, a social club for students with special needs.

“Many thanks to everyone who made this event a great success,” Regan said. “The team members felt the energy and support of the crowd, and that is truly the fuel that helps them in more ways than I can describe.”

Courtesy Massapequa Schools