This Week's Mission Moment: Meet the Lob-Stars!
Tomorrow, our Y will host the 11th Annual Laura’s Love Memorial Event to benefit the South Shore YMCA Lob-Stars tennis team and help expand adaptive and inclusive programming at our Y.
Started in 2005 by Barbara and Charlie Kardok, the Lob-Stars team of twenty athletes can be found practicing on the Emilson Y tennis courts each week under the guidance of Lucy Dickman, Martha DeGregorio and Jim Lawson. Lucy has been with the team since its first year, starting as a volunteer and eventually taking over as coach.
“There couldn’t be a better group of kids,” says Lucy. “They are the most kind, giving people, and they make you laugh. I feel lucky to be around them.
The Lob-Stars is comprised of athletes with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The program is dedicated to promoting inclusion through shared sports training for those who may not have had an opportunity to participate in traditional organized sports programs.
"I love playing with my team," says longtime Lob-Star, Justin Daley. "It is the best team ever."
Throughout the year, these talented athletes compete in numerous tournaments across the country, including Special Olympics, national adaptive tennis tournaments, and unified tournaments, where teams are made up of people of similar age and ability, with or without disabilities.
Parents feel the team has become family, opening up new opportunities for the athletes. "They have built great friendships with their teammates and would never have had this kind of opportunity to travel without the Lob-Stars," says Justin's dad, Leo Daley.
“Kerri really loves playing with Lob-Stars," says Jenn Hutchins about her daughter's experience. "It helped her get out more and be able to forge new friendships."
In 2019, the Lob-Stars were honored with the USTA National Adaptive Tennis Award, which is displayed in our Emilson Y tennis lobby. South Shore YMCA CEO, Paul Gorman, and Senior Tennis Director, Bob Carroll, accompanied the team and coaches to New York to accept the award and attend the US Open.
“The Y’s doors are open to all,” says Bob Carroll. “We are a tight-knit community that promotes adaptive and inclusive programs and services for all, so that everyone in our community can truly belong.”
The SSYMCA’s Annual Laura’s Love Event is being held this Saturday, May 14, with fun events for the whole community to enjoy. The Lob-Stars will be playing from 2:00-3:00pm for anyone who wishes to stop by to watch them play and support the team.
To register for Laura's Love events -- including Tennis Tournaments, Cornhole Tournament, Pickleball Tournament or NEW Color-Fun 3K Run & Family Fesitval, visit ssymca.org/lauraslove for details, and come out and play!
