SEA ISLE CITY – 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 because of the enthusiasm and good sportsmanship that was displayed by the participants. 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 support the program received from local families, individuals, businesses, civic organizations, and municipal employees.
One person who stands out among these supporters is Mary Shields, a seasonal homeowner in Sea Isle City. Several years, she suggested that Sea Isle’s Division of Recreation organize a summer basketball clinic for special needs children.
Since the program began in 2022, Mary has led each of the weekly gatherings, which are 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. “It’s magical. 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. New friendships have been forged between the players and the event’s young volunteers. During a time when teens are coming under fire, Shields wants to highlight the good that they bring to Sea Isle.
“Amazing connections have been made,” she added. “Some of the volunteers have even met the players for ice cream afterward 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 brought great joy to the player’s 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.”
The Shooting Stars program also received support from Mike’s Seafood Run/Walk for Autism and a variety of business sponsors, the names of which appeared on the back of the commemorative tee-shirts that each participant and volunteer wore during the weekly clinics.
Community support also came from Sea Isle’s civic organizations. For example, on June 26, members of Sea Isle City’s Women’s Civic Club brought soft pretzels and cold water to the courts for players and volunteers.
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 players ran 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 players and to show them some of the beach patrol’s safety equipment. The lifeguards returned during the final clinic of the year on August 2 to help coach participants before serving them pizza and cold drinks.
After five weeks of making happy memories and enjoying plenty of comradery, each player who participated in the Shooting Stars clinic went home with an Olympic-style gold medal. The medals served as a badge of honor for each player and serves as a reminder that each player 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, of Sea Isle City’s Recreation Office, 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 City’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 Ise City’s Division of Recreation, go to www.VISITSICNJ.com and click the “Recreation” link on the home page, or phone 609-263-0050. To view photos of the Shooting Stars clinics, click the “Photo Gallery” link on the home page.
