Football is for everyone and these 2 high schools prove it

1 of 13

Flag football game for special needs student-athletes A player from Wall Township High School runs the ball against players from Toms River East High School during a flag football game for special needs student-athletes at the RWJBarnabas Health Field of Dreams in Toms River on Thursday, November 16, 2023. (Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media/Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media)

Wall Township High School and Toms River East High School matched up for a day of inclusive, competitive recreation at a flag football game on Thursday at the RWJBarnabas Health Field of Dreams.

Tailored for those with special needs, the game followed the Special Olympics Unified Sports format, where seven special needs kids and three typical kids form one team.

“The special needs kids play against each other and the typical kids help them through the game — be it either a handoff, a throwing pass, or to show them the way from one spot of the field toward the end zone” said Christian Kane, co-founder of the recreational complex.

The game ended in a tie, which Kane said was the best way it could end.

Over 450 people showed up to the event, with cheerleaders from both schools and Toms River East High School’s band to liven the mood.

Kane, who cooked up some 250 hotdogs and 150 hamburgers for all who came, said the day created happy memories for everyone, but especially for caretakers of those with special needs.

“You do whatever you have to do to make these memories,” he said.

Jacob Anthony Amaro may be reached at jamaro@njadvancemedia.com.

Welcome to Mosaic. Contact us at mosaic@nj.com. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom.