Hannah Ramirez’s idea quickly blossomed.
Griffith’s senior defender got the ball rolling and the result is the Best Buddies SoccerRama.
The Panthers hope the event, scheduled for 1-3 p.m. Saturday at the school’s field, will become an annual one.
The Best Buddies program fosters one-on-one friendships between students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Panthers plan to create a fun environment to teach the game of soccer — shooting, dribbling and passing, with a lighthearted scrimmage — to between 20 and 25 participants.
“It’s a great way to get the girls involved with the Best Buddies program and to give back to the community,” Griffith coach Glenn Maglish said. “It’s a great way to get these kids with disabilities involved and make them feel more welcomed in the school.
“The goal of Best Buddies is to get the kids more acquainted with social activities, and we believe bringing awareness to this phenomenal program will enhance their lives and make a positive impact.”
Ramirez recalled being in gym class several weeks ago when the thought crossed her mind. She spoke with Panthers assistant coach Hillary Campbell, who works in special education at Wadsworth Elementary School. She texted Gina Maglish, Glenn’s wife.
All were on board.
“I just thought the kids would love it,” Ramirez said. “They’re the most kindhearted people in the world and they’d really enjoy it. And for us to work with them, it would help us appreciate the abilities we have instead of taking it for granted, like most of us do. We really want to do something special for them.”
With a full plate, Ramirez hasn’t participated with Best Buddies.
She’s the editor of the school newspaper, co-editor of the magazine, captain of the fine arts academic team and president of the National Honor Society. She’s also a member of class council and student council, as well as captain of the tennis team as the Panthers’ No. 1 singles player.
But close friend Laura Reid is president of Best Buddies and Ramirez keeps apprised of the program that way.
“I’ve always admired what they do,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez, who plans to attend Moody Bible Institute, is looking forward to Saturday.
“I’ve always enjoyed helping people — that’s always been in my heart since I was little,” she said. “I used to work at my church with special education students and it always meant a lot to me.
“There’s going to be a lot of positivity and happiness and excitement and energy. We have a great team, great attitudes, so everyone will feed off of that. It’s a great opportunity for everyone and we hope it’s going to be enjoyable for everyone.”
Glenn Maglish praised the Panthers for how they’ve embraced the event.
“These girls have kind hearts and they’re always wanting to do something for each other and other people,” he said. “They play hard on the field, but they have kind hearts off it, and this is a good opportunity for these girls to give back to the community and give back to the school.
“They pick up something here and send it out tenfold. That’s what it’s all about.”
Twitter @MichaelOsipoff
Top 10
Last week’s rank in parentheses.
1. Chesterton (4)
2. Munster (2)
3. Crown Point (1)
4. Lake Central (3)
5. Valparaiso (5)
6. Wheeler (6)
7. Highland (7)
8. Andrean (8)
9. Lowell (9)
10. Marquette (10)
Player of the Week: Kennedi Sternberg scored in overtime Saturday as Kouts edged Hebron 1-0.
