Due to COVID, the mission of Team Up for 1 had to be put on hold. We are now returning to in-person activities, however, many of our kids with challenges have high health risks and still may not be able to participate in in-person team sports. As such, we are expanding our programs to now include esports. Esports is competitive organized video gaming that is popular on most college campuses. This project will allow 25 kids to pilot our new program with several colleges in the Mid-Atlantic area.
Due to COVID safety concerns, many kids with challenges who want to participate in our programs can't due to health risks. Our program to date has been limited to physical sports activities. Some kids may not have an interest in the sports programs offered, but do have an interest in being a part of a team. An esports program creates a virtual atmosphere for kids to still be a part of a team, but with less risk than in-person activities. It also taps into a popular kids' interest - video games.
Video gaming is popular among kids with challenges. In addition to connecting to other kids with similar interests, it can also improve their communication, small motor skills, spatial and organizational skills, and even improve their social skills. Esports is considered a vital new component in addressing inclusivity in kids' sports. Pairing one of our MVPs (kids) with a collegiate-level esports team will introduce them to this opportunity while allowing them to be a member of a sports team.
Introducing kids with challenges to esports could have a positive long-term impact. With over 130 colleges in North America offering esports programs, some of our MVPs may develop an interest in pursuing gaming as they get older and even into adulthood. Furthermore, with adaptive gaming tools and resources, even kids with physical limitations are able to participate in video gameplay. Team Up for Esports could serve as their first introduction into a lifetime of inclusive, interactive sports.
