A gym at PS 88Q in Ridgewood turned into a basketball clinic built specifically for kids with developmental disabilities on May 30, the first event of its kind from the Take Heart Foundation and Hot Shots Basketball, LLC, according to the Queens Gazette, which first reported it.
The idea was straightforward: a day of drills, teamwork and confidence-building run by coaches who knew how to meet each kid where they were. The clinic pulled together children, their families, developmental disability professionals, youth volunteers and basketball coaches under one roof at the Ridgewood public school.
Running the court was Frank Sardinas, owner of Hot Shots Basketball, along with his coaching staff, who handled the instruction. On the sidelines were licensed and credentialed developmental disability professionals working next to local youth volunteers, an arrangement meant to give every participant hands-on support rather than leave anyone waiting for a turn.
The Take Heart Foundation is a Queens-based nonprofit that runs after-school sports and community programs for children with developmental disabilities, with the goal of helping them build confidence, make friends and take part in activities they might otherwise be left out of. The basketball clinic was its inaugural event of this kind.
“Frank Sardinas and his staff were amazing,” said Graceann Faulkner, vice chair of the Take Heart Foundation. “They were so supportive of these children and made a lifelong impact on everyone in attendance.”
Eric Faulkner, co-founder, chair and president of the foundation, framed the day as a joint effort between the professionals and the volunteers. “The Take Heart Foundation was proud to have several licensed and credentialed developmental disability professionals in attendance at our basketball clinic, working alongside dedicated local youth volunteers,” he said. “Together, they provided encouragement, guidance, and support to the incredible children participating in the program, helping create a positive and empowering experience for everyone involved.”
Council Member Phil Wong, a Queens Democrat, publicly commended the two organizations for putting the clinic on. “Organizations like the Take Heart Foundation make a real difference in the lives of children and families throughout our community,” Wong said. “Their work goes far beyond a single event. Through sports and community programs, they are creating opportunities for children with developmental disabilities to grow, learn new skills, and reach their full potential. I commend Eric and Graceann Faulkner, the entire board, and everyone involved for their dedication to this important mission.”
Wong also thanked the Take Heart Foundation, Hot Shots Basketball, the volunteers and the participating families for making the day work and for their continued commitment to serving children with special needs across Queens.
Featured image: Courtesy qgazette.com
