The boys in Blue and Gold uniforms took care of business on the field Saturday night, with the Blue prevailing 12-0.
But the young people they play for – persons with intellectual disabilities –
were around them, watching and cheering on their newfound friends.
Blue-Gold’s Hand in Hand program was initiated in 1974 and matches one or more participants – including football players, cheerleaders and band members– with an individual with intellectual disabilities. It aims to teach the value of diversity and acceptance.
Blue team member Brian Del Collo, of Archmere Academy, was paired with buddy John Bruni, of Claymont. Del Collo has an intellectually challenged cousin that he has not spent a lot of time with. Now, he wants to get to know his cousin after spending time with Bruni.
Blue-Gold marching band member Melissa Krakowski, of St. Mark’s High School, was paired with Michelle Ogden.
“It’s definitely a life changing experience,” Krakowski said. “You see how happy these kids are; nothing ever gets them down.”
Band member Melissa Reed, of Glasgow High School, is buddies with Hannah Tressler. Reed, who’s been involved with Blue-Gold for 12 years, wrote her college essay on her experience.
“I can now go back to my school explain that these kids are exactly like us,” Reed said. “They want to go to the mall and hang out with their friends, they like the movies. What they want to call a disability, is truly an actual ability for them.”
Padua Academy’s Madeline Beck, of Bear, said her little brother Matthew and her buddy Grace Wisnewski both have Down syndrome.
“I though it was interesting to see just how different they really are even though they have the same disability,” Beck said.
Blue team member Matt Ley and Blue cheerleader Miranda Klein, both of Concord High School, were paired with buddy Scott Jones, also a student at Concord.
“It’s not about seeing their disabilities,” Klein said. “They’re great kids. Give them a chance and be patient.”
