Help meet these special needs
LISA HOBBS – News Editor
McMinnville Special Games is asking for the community’s assistance in its search for a new home for its basketball program and recently added cheer squad.
The organization’s sports program used to utilize the gymnasium at Pentecostals of McMinnville Church, which is no longer an option.
“We want to express out heartfelt gratitude to the Pentecostals of McMinnville Church and Pastor Burns for welcoming us into their gymnasium for so many years,” stated Holly McBride. “Their generosity has meant so much to our organization and our participants. As their youth group has grown, they need greater access to their own gym – a space our basketball season occupied for three months each year. We completely understand and respect their decision to discontinue outside use, and we remain deeply thankful for their support.”
Needed is an accessible gymnasium with seating available from January through March, ideally within McMinnville’s city limits. McBride states that their season includes two practices each week and Saturday games against community teams, including the McMinnville Fire Department, Warren County Sheriff’s Department, and McMinnville Police Department, among others.
“Basketball has become one of our most cherished and beneficial programs. It offers individuals with special needs an opportunity to stay active, build friendships, and experience the pride and joy of belonging to a team. Our cheer squad adds another meaningful way for participants to be involved. These games also give community members an opportunity to connect with our players, who absolutely love taking the court against their local supporters.”
McMinnville Special Games is a nonprofit organization that is devoted to enriching the lives of men, women, and children with Special Needs. It operates solely on sponsorships and donations.
These are some wonderfully amazing individuals who are no less than any other. They just want to be seen as the heroes they have been. They just want to be heard as the warriors they have become. They just want to be loved as the gifts of God that they truly are.
If you can provide a gymnasium, McBride can be reached at 931-808-8816 or via email at hollymcbride82@gmail.com
While discussing this immediate need, McBride shared with Warren County Way the organization’s long-term dream.
“While securing a gym for the upcoming season is our most pressing need, our long-term dream is to establish a permanent home with an enrichment center and gymnasium. This would provide space for basketball, cheer, kickball, our annual Olympic event, and our many other activities. Our enrichment center at 225 Garfield Street has been a wonderful blessing, but we have already outgrown the space.”
Pacesetters on Magness Drive would be ideal, but two purchase proposals made by McMinnville Special Games to the city of McMinnville were rejected.
“Pacesetters existing layout would meet many of our needs. Unfortunately, the asking price is beyond our financial reach. We submitted two offers to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, both of which were respectfully declined. We understand the city of McMinnville’s need to recover its investment in the property.”
McBride is still optimistic that a financial agreement can be found. She added, “I remain hopeful that there may be an opportunity to revisit the conversation and reach an agreement that serves both the city and our special-needs community. With creative fundraising and grant support, I believe we could work toward adding a gymnasium to that property within one to three years. We need our community’s help with both the immediate need and the larger dream.”
If you can provide a gymnasium or assist the organization financially to fulfill its long-term dream, McBride can be reached at 931-808-8816 or via email at hollymcbride82@gmail.com
Pictured is Charlie Fitch, one of McMinnville Special Games’ amazing basketball players.
Upcoming Event
McMinnville Special Games will be hosting a Halloween Party on Friday, Oct. 23, from 5:30 to 8-30 p.m. at its McMinnville Enrichment Center located at 225 Garfield Street. Halloween costume contest with prizes, photo booth, pumpkin painting, Halloween activities, music, etc. Pizza, snacks and drinks provided. RSVP to hollymcbride82@gmail.com