The mission of Sports Are For Everyone (or SAFE) is to provide sport training,competition and social events for children with intellectual and physical disabilities. SAFE is an organization that allows the opportunity for kids to learn the positive values of recreational athletics. With an encouraging attitude, SAFE focuses on the education of the social, emotional and mental health of its participants. In a variety of organized athletic events, children with disabilities as well as their parents and/or guardians are able to experience the thrill of competition and learn the value of teamwork. With the help of primarily student volunteers from the community, children and young adults from all walks of life are able to socialize and compete with one another in a controlled and positive environment. SAFE is a non-profit organization based out of Clifton Park, New York.

SAFE started 20 years ago when director Jim Fitzgerald came into the world of special needs kids through the back door, actually the front door of an eight-year-old named Kent McCloskey - a physically challenged young boy with Muscular Dystrophy who befriended his son, Jim. Kent invited young Jim to a birthday party and on the way holding a gift of a hand-held computer game (purchased by his mom), Jim said to his dad that his new pal wouldn't be able to play the computer game, that he was disabled and in a wheelchair. Fitzgerald threw the hand held game aside and quickly grabbed a baseball, hat, jersey and a schedule from his son's Clifton Park baseball team to replace the misguided purchase.

Fast forward to the next Babe Ruth game and both Fitzgeralds watched as Kent entered the field with a walker. As fate would have it, Fitzgerald's team was short one man. Kent officially rounded out the roster."He was now part of the team," Fitzgerald said.

As a coach, Fitzgerald consistently sent a message to all new dads who were learning the ropes of coaching baseball: Never look at the kids on the bench. They'll all have those 'I want to go in' eyes.' " Despite his own advice, Fitzgerald look over at Kent and, yes, he had those eyes. "I put him in right field. Next time I looked over he was really close to first base. I walked out there and I told him he was supposed to be in right field and he said to me, 'Your first baseman isn't that good.' Kent knew more about baseball than half the kids on my team."

Fitzgerald said, "The other coaches soon warmed up to what we had on our team.This was the genesis for the SAFE program.

"Twenty years later there are now hundreds involved with SAFE as participants, family members or volunteers all benefiting from the program. Today Fitzgerald says there are about 160 athletes partaking in a variety of sports, not just baseball. Kids with special needs are playing soccer, basketball, bowling, wheelchair tennis and flag football.

Realizing that socialization was the key for these kids, Fitzgerald and his team of volunteers kept adding more sports and most recently added a fishing program, self-defense and creative movement. The latter program is run by Shenendehowa student Jenn Murphy; this music-based program is held at St. Edward's Church - a huge supporter of SAFE.

"Socialization is more important than the sport itself and we're proud of the respite SAFE gives the families," Fitzgerald says and adds with a laugh, "Parents get the hour to just enjoy and watch so they can go into work on Monday and lie about how well their kid did - like we all do.

Fitzgerald can't say enough about the volunteer base here in Clifton Park. Players from Miss Shen and Babe Ruth players rotate in and out of helping the kids while playing baseball on the fields. |"Sometimes the young volunteers have a little trepidation at first. We tell them the kids won't break - just tell them your name. That's been huge. These kids have been just incredible.

"From a slew of wonderful young kids from the area who have helped out and continue to volunteer Fitzgerald mentions Matt Gibbon who's unofficially in charge of the volunteers. "Matt was a Shen athlete who is a Pied Piper kind of guy. I told him I needed more kids like him to help out. He's brought over so many other athletes every week. Now he won't go away."

Fitzgerald proudly went on about a couple more Shen students making SAFE what it is today mentioning both Laura Silverman and Mike Kelly. "They kept coming back to help even during college. These three were in charge. They weren't looking for a title. They just took over and went over and above. They're just good people," he said.

Adding to the list of sports, SAFE also offers a variety of social events that take place throughout the year.

Groups of kids from SAFE could be checking out the Christmas lights in Washington Park, catching the latest "Shrek" movie at the mall or maybe having a blast at Double M's Halloween fun maze. Another headliner are the family nights all held at St. Ed's. Fitzgerald adds, "I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how important they are. Father Pat Butler and Sister Rose Casaleno both help in getting even more volunteers to come over and help us out."

SAFE in now incorporated with a board of directors and advisors.Fitzgerald has a new title, but prefers to keep director. He has also spread the wealth and now offers programs in Bethlehem, Queensbury and in Columbia County at Columbia-Greene Community College. He continues the newer locales.

Fitzgerald is also very excited about events planned for the 20th anniversary of SAFE in 2011. Events will begin with a golf tournament in September at Ballston Spa Country Club, a day designated in town for many special needs programs to come together and a new adult baseball league. More to be announced as the planning continues.

As for Kent, Fitzgerald says he is living independently out in Utica and they stay in touch. When asked if he'll ever retire from SAFE, Fitzgerald says no, he never will and hopes his last day is spent with the kids. For those interested in the SAFE program for ages five and older, please Email SAFE Information