Raineman 6 goes Charity
Ece play2gether
In autumn 2011 the ece bulls established the Sports Group play2gether based on the idea to found a Basketball Team for people with special needs. Caused by the great interest and different skills of the players they had to create another group where some of them are encouraged with different tasks and coordinative duties. Hence there are two teams who practice weekly. The particular BASKETBALL Team participated at the National Summer Games of Special Olympics and placed 2nd there which qualified them for the World Games in Los Angeles in Summer 2015 !
The sportsmen/women of ece play2gether are coming from different organizations for people with special needs like “Pius Institut” (institute of Pius), “Lebenshilfe” (Lifehelp) and “Jugend am Werk” (Youth at work). All of them are regular working and are role models in dedication, reliability and teamwork. Their motivation in practice is incredible and the participants have enormous pleasure being a part of these teams.
For about five or six years now It has been one of my wishes or even maybe just something I felt the need to do .This was to be able to give to a charity using what I have been so blessed with and that’s being in a position to have a huge impact on someone’s life or give what I have learned to whoever it may affect in a positive way. The first time I saw the sportsmen/women of ece play2gether was last season when they were playing or practicing as well as them attending a game or two of ours this season. Every time I came in contact with this group of individuals they gave me a rush of positive energy. When I saw how excited they were and how much they enjoyed playing but just to be around them reminded me of how fun this game of Basketball is. In some way I wanted to show them that we shared the same feelings about playing Basketball as they do. Sometimes you lose this feeling along with the fun that it’s really supposed to bring you and what it really should be about. Often while we are competing in games or maybe going through a hard practice or we are just angry and forget that it is just a game that should be fun to play. The feeling of fun and excitement I got when I first saw them is still the same feeling I get whenever I am around them. I’m not sure if they will ever realize what they gave me. So I have been thinking about how to give something in return to show my appreciation even if it´s just with my time and attention. So what could be better than give a part of myself to a program with a great cause.
I want to thank Andi Schenk for allowing me the opportunity to help and experience this amazing group of individuals. I want to support them with my face and voice in public and on my Fan Page as well as with common practice and charity events to accompany them on the way to the World Games in Los Angeles.
