Jackson-Milton welcomes Gateways clients to practice

Both groups gain from special workout

NORTH JACKSON -- Jackson-Milton High School officials invited clients of Gateways to Better Living to attend a special football practice alongside the school's varsity football team on Tuesday.

This was the third year of the district's and Gateways partnership, and the purpose of the event was to allow some of Gateways' clients with developmental disabilities to experience football firsthand, as they were unable to do so while in school.

"This is something a lot of them always wanted to do in high school, but didn't have the ability or didn't make the team because of their disabilities. This kind of gives them that outlet to get a little snapshot of what it would be like to get to play on the football team," said Kristie Murphy, community engagement director for Gateways.

"This is all about inclusion, and it's about getting the guys from Gateways that really missed out on some of this stuff in high school the opportunity to really feel what it is like to be on a real varsity football team."

The special practice is also meant to help Jackson-Milton's football team by teaching them the value of accepting people from all walks of life.

"It teaches the kids about inclusion, and what it's like to include everybody in the community in one way or another," Murphy said. "Giving them the chance to be included in something like this gives back to the kids as well, because it gives them that feeling of, 'I've done something good.'"

Murphy praised the football team for their acceptance, saying that there have been no incidents of bullying and they have shown support for the Gateways clients.

"The kids are awesome. They love and appreciate the enthusiasm of the guys that come, and once you see their excitement, you can't make fun of them," Murphy said. "These kids recognize it, and they're actually very protective of them and really applaud their abilities, which is really cool to see too."

Gateways clients practicing alongside Jackson-Milton's football team helps the organization achieve two big goals. The first is to promote more community engagement with Gateways and the other is to empower people with disabilities.

"One of my goals, and Gateways goals, is to be a bigger part of the community, and to have people recognize who we are and what we're capable of, and just that we want to be partners," Murphy said.

Gateways plans on returning to Jackson-Milton for a football game against Mineral Ridge scheduled Sept. 18. They will partner with Jackson-Milton's cheerleaders to root for the varsity football team during a real game.

Murphy said Jackson-Milton coach Brian Shaner went above and beyond, gifting some of the Gateways clients footballs to take home with them.

"It was a simple gesture that meant so much. Moments like these remind us that football is about more than what happens on the field. It's about teamwork, inclusion, friendship, and being part of something bigger than ourselves," she said.