Team UCP – Court is in Session

Every day at UCP, we strive to provide more and more meaningful qualityexperiences within the community for adults with disabilities. A true example of this came to life when dedicated UCP Staff Member, Robert Darrington, established a basketball league for adults with disabilities and special needs in the Birmingham Area. The league, consisting of eight teams, also includes the Exceptional Foundation, UnlessU, Hoover Rec, Independence Place and The ARC.

“The feeling of being a member of a team and the overall sports experience,” is what Robert, who’s played team sports since he was a child, wants the participants to enjoy. Being a member of the UCP Team introduces each player to the concepts of comradery, satisfaction, confidence-building, winning and losing.

Robert, who also serves as League Commissioner, shares “the UCP basketball team practices hard several times a week. When they aren’t practicing, they are walking around campus as a team and eating lunch together. It’s rewarding to watch them experience what they may not have while in school.”

Each team plays twice a month, and the season runs from October through January, ending with a tournament at Bartow Arena. While they are competitive and play to win, they also show enthusiasm for their fellow league members when they do well. Winning or losing takes a back seat towhat each of the fourteen Team UCP basketball members gain through developing, growing, learning, and most importantly, having fun out in the community.

Join us as we cheer on our team!
Friday, November 18 VS. UnlessU – Shades Mountain Baptist Church 10:15am
Monday, November 28 VS. Exceptional Foundation – Shades Mountain Baptist Church 10:15am

The UCP basketball team is just one of many innovative programs UCP provides for adults with disabilities. Would you or someone you know like to volunteer or learn more? Contact Janis Braue, Adult Program Director, at jbraue@ucpham.com or 205-944-5201.