For the second summer in a row, Sea Isle City’s Division of Recreation organized a “Shooting Stars” summer basketball clinic for children and young adults with special needs – but they didn’t do it alone.
As was the case in 2022, participants of varying ages and ability levels gathered at the Dealy Field basketball courts this summer on Wednesday evenings to practice their dribbling, passing and shooting skills.
The weekly event was a sight to behold, simply because of the enthusiasm and good sportsmanship that was continually displayed by the participants. However, it was also a heart-warming experience, thanks to a small army of volunteers (mainly teens and college students) who helped coach the players each week – and because of the tremendous amount of support the program received from local families, individuals, businesses, civic organizations and municipal employees.
One person who stands out among the event’s many supporters is Mary Shields, a seasonal homeowner in Sea Isle who several years ago suggested that Sea Isle’s Division of Recreation organize a summer basketball clinic for special needs children.
Ever since the program began in 2022, Shields has led each of the weekly gatherings, which were enhanced by her high level of energy, enthusiasm, and ability to keep the event’s “Shooting Stars” engaged.
“This event attracts goodness, and many good things have come from it,” Shields said in a news release.
Shields is also involved with a similar basketball program at the Spring Valley YMCA near her primary home in Royersford, Pa.
“It’s magical,” Shields said. “You must see it firsthand to fully understand how wonderful this program is – and to understand the impact it has on people deep down.”
According to Shields, the players who participate in the program take home much more than improved basketball skills. Because of the clinics, new friendships have been forged between the players and the event’s young volunteers, which have extended beyond the courts.
At a time when the actions of some teenagers are drawing criticism, Shields feels that this is worth pointing out.
“Amazing connections have been made,” she said. “Some of the volunteers have even met the players for ice cream afterwards or have met them on the beach. I am amazed by the goodness of the local kids who have volunteered.”
The Shooting Stars program has also brought great joy to the players’ parents – some of whom didn’t imagine that their child could be part of a team like this.
“Many of our Shooting Stars players have never had the opportunity to be cheered on by a crowd of spectators, because they are usually on the sidelines. But this program gives them a chance to be the star,” Shields said. “It’s so much more than just a basketball clinic, and it connects families who are on the same path in life.”
In addition to Shields’ time and talents, the Shooting Stars program also received support from the Mike’s Seafood Run/Walk for Autism and a variety of business sponsors, the names of which appeared on the back of commemorative T-shirts that each participant and volunteer wore during the weekly clinics.
Additionally, community support has come from the members of several of Sea Isle’s civic organizations who attended the clinics, cheered on the participants and showered them with gifts, food and plenty of encouragement.
For example, on June 26, several members of Sea Isle City’s Women’s Civic Club helped kick off the 2023 Shooting Stars season by bringing soft pretzels and cold water to the courts for the players and volunteers.
Then, on July 5, veterans from VFW Post 1963 and members of Post 1963’s Auxiliary arrived with custom-designed hoodie jackets for each player. They also treated everyone to “Bubba Dog” hot dogs and cold drinks.
On July 12, members of Sea Isle City’s Italian American Club arrived with stacks of fresh pizza and bottled water. They also joined in as the players were running drills.
To round out the 2023 Shooting Stars season, representatives from the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol arrived at the courts on July 26 to cheer on the players and to show them some of the beach patrol’s safety equipment.
Then, the lifeguards returned during the final clinic of the year on Aug. 2 to help coach the participants before serving them pizza and cold drinks.
After five weeks of making happy memories and enjoying plenty of camaraderie, on Aug. 2 each player who participated in the Shooting Stars clinic went home with an Olympic-style gold medal, which served as a badge of honor for each player and a reminder that each one of them is a star.
“It was wonderful how everyone came together – the volunteers, the sponsors, our local civic groups and our city employees,” said Christie Ostrander, a Sea Isle Recreation Office employee who organized the Shooting Stars clinics. “The smiles on everyone’s faces were priceless, and it was very encouraging to see the community join together – and to see the young volunteers take time out of their schedules to support this event.”
Due to the generosity of the community and the efforts of Sea Isle’s Division of Recreation, the Shooting Stars program is provided entirely free of charge to all participants.
To learn about other events offered by Sea Isle’s Division of Recreation, go to www.VISITSICNJ.com and click the “Recreation” link on the home page, or call 609-263-0050. To view photos of the Shooting Stars clinics, click the “Photo Gallery” link on the home page.
