Avon Athletes Play ‘for the love of the game’

Athletic games have a powerful way of bringing people together, and on Saturday, January 11th, the Avon High School Booster Club sponsored a special game that brought athletes of varying abilities together in a game they won’t soon forget.  “For The Love Of The Game” was the brainchild of Booster Club President, Maria Mascoli, who believes athletes of all abilities should have the opportunity to play sports with their own peers in their own gym and on their own fields.  (Presently, physically and mentally challenged AHS athletes play in a Unified Sports program at Farmington High School.) “It is so important to offer this experience to students who attend school together, pass each other in the hallways every day, but might not ever know they share the same passion for sports,” explains Mascoli.

Saturday’s game was played on the AHS basketball court with blended teams led by the Falcon Boys Varsity players and their coach, Chris Vozzolo. Cheered on by over 50 enthusiastic fans, the athletes played a competitive and fun game of hoops that left them with an appreciation for the spirit of the game and a genuine fondness and respect for each other.  As one proud parent noted, “watching the varsity basketball team playing with these athletes, I couldn't tell who was having more fun.  This was a truly win-win afternoon. Everyone had a blast!” 

Building on the success of the first game, the Avon Booster Club will sponsor their next "For the Love of the Game" featuring the Girls Varsity basketball team and Falcons of all abilities, on Saturday February 8th at 12:00 noon. Admission is free and all Falcon fans are encouraged to attend.