Evesham secures $20,000 grant to support youth sports for children with special needs through the Marlton Rec Council's Sports Unity Program

Evesham Township is proud to report that the municipality has once again been awarded a $20,000 grant from the NJ Department of Community Affairs through the Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities grant program.

This newest grant will once again allow Evesham Township to offer support to the Marlton Rec Council’s Sports Unity Program (SUP), which provides an opportunity for children with special needs to participate in organized sports at no cost to families.

Evesham Township previously applied for and received a $20,000 grant in 2021 and a $30,000 grant in 2022 under the same state program in support of SUP.

Evesham Township’s continued support and advocacy on behalf of the Sports Unity Program is part of the municipality’s long-term goal to provide greater inclusivity for residents of all abilities.

Evesham Township Mayor Jaclyn Veasy thanks the state Department of Community Affairs and DCA Commissioner Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver for once again approving this grant funding.

“The MRC’s Sports Unity Program is one of the most inspirational and impactful programs we have here in Evesham Township,” Mayor Veasy said. “The feeling of belonging offered by the Sports Unity Program is priceless for players and their loved ones. I want to thank all the volunteers and supporters of the Sports Unity Program for their hard work and dedication to this amazing cause.”

Sports Unity Program activities include soccer, basketball, street hockey, football, volleyball, kickball, fall ball and more.

Coaches work with volunteers or “buddies” to play alongside kids during games to provide guidance and maintain a safe environment as the young players enjoy a full and enriching athletic experience among new friends.

Mark VonBerg, Commissioner of the MRC’s Sports Unity Program, also praised the news of the grant.

“We are extremely excited to receive the $20,000 grant from the State of New Jersey,” VonBerg said. “The funds will continue to enable Sports Unity Program to offer the program at no cost to our families.”

As noted by the Sports Unity Program, many families of children with special needs may be unable to enroll their children in more mainstream sports programs due to the small number of programs available that offer the necessary supports for their children’s unique needs. For the programs that are available, the programs can be cost prohibitive to many families.

SUP continues to provide all services at no cost to families thanks to the generosity of volunteers, grants and donations from individuals and other local businesses.

This year the Sports Unity program is also proud to be celebrating 10 years of serving the special needs community.

A 10th anniversary celebration will be held on July 20 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Marco’s Restaurant at the Indian Spring County Club in Evesham Township. The celebration will include food, drinks, raffles and more.

Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mrc-sports-unity-program-10th-anniversary-celebration-tickets-515591687617

Attendees must be 21 or older.

To learn more about the Sports Unity Program, visit https://www.marltonreccouncil.org/sportsunity