By Marisa Dawson, Courtesy Photos

Four Bennington Buffalo unified softball teams traveled to Lincoln on August 7 for the Special Olympics Nebraska Fall Games, returning home with an impressive haul of two gold medals, a silver and a bronze.

For the Buffaloes, however, the weekend was about much more than medals. It was an opportunity for athletes and unified partners to compete together, support one another and celebrate each other’s successes.

To give all of the athletes an opportunity to play in a traditional game setting, Special Olympics Nebraska approved the use of a softer softball known as an “Incrediball” for three of Bennington’s teams. The adapted ball helped reduce the risk of injury while allowing athletes who otherwise may have chosen the skills division to participate in games.

“They all wanted to play a couple of games!!” said Jennifer Hammer, head of the Bennington Buffaloes.

The three teams using the adapted ball (the Buffalo Thunder, Buffalo Trailblazers and Buffalo Chargers) competed against one another in evenly matched games. Each team wore a different color and had its own name and logo.

The Buffalo Thunder (pictured above wearing gold) finished first, while the orange-clad Trailblazers earned second place and the blue Buffalo Chargers finished third (both pictured below).

The fourth team, the Buffalo Stampede (pictured at the top of the article), competed in a separate division using a standard slow-pitch softball and faced the Lincoln Sharks Jr. The Stampede also finished in first place.

For Hammer, watching the athletes earn their medals was especially meaningful after seeing the work they put in during practices and throughout the tournament.

“Seeing these individuals work so hard at practice and even harder at the tournament, the medals around their necks were super special,” she said. “I know the majority of them have a ton of medals at home from previous years and events, but every time they earn one, it’s like it’s their first!”

The athletes themselves described a day filled with hitting, competition, friendship and plenty of encouragement.

Mercedes said her favorite part was “being around all her teammates and everyone being supportive,” while Charlie enjoyed “competing with friends.” Joe said he particularly enjoyed hitting the ball, including a successful hit to the outfield during his final at-bat.

For Mike, the experience was about “trying to do my best,” and he later recalled hitting a home run as a moment he would remember.

Connecting with the ball was also memorable for Charlie, who said his favorite tournament moment was “finally connecting with the ball.”

The unified partners were just as enthusiastic about the experience. Dan said his favorite part was “The joy everyone had, all participants were smiling and having a great time,” along with the teamwork and support among the athletes.

Chad said watching the athletes get hits was “such an amazing feeling,” particularly when athletes who had struggled were eventually able to make contact.

“The athletes are passionate and competitive; they want to win while having fun,” Dan said of what stood out to him during the tournament.

That combination of competition and encouragement is at the heart of the Buffaloes’ unified program.

“We are a family!” Hammer exclaimed. “Even if we were competing against each other, they were all supportive and exhibited the best sportsmanship.”

She recalled athletes cheering for friends who made successful plays even when they were playing for an opposing Bennington team. During breaks between games, athletes continued supporting their teammates, and members of the Stampede even stepped in to help coach bases.

One athlete hit a line drive back toward the pitcher and later apologized because he hadn’t intended to hit the ball that way, Hammer explained.

“Unified sports give opportunities for both athletes and partners to learn what inclusion really means,” she said. “They celebrate the good and are concerned when things are not going right or tough. It’s more than just about competing, it’s truly a family that cares for each other.”

That sense of belonging is one of the things the athletes say they value most.

Mercedes said she likes that “everyone is included and treated the same,” while Joe simply cited “Friends” as the greatest value. Mike said he enjoys teaching others the sport and being passionate about it, while Charlie enjoys meeting new people.

Dan pointed to the encouragement from everyone, and Chad said his favorite part is “being around the athletes. They are all awesome.”

The Buffaloes have grown considerably since the unified program began last year with a core group of about seven athletes. The program is now preparing for a busy slate of upcoming sports, including unified bowling, unified cornhole, unified flag football and unified soccer. The bowling program alone currently has 23 double teams.

Hammer said the continued growth has been driven by a culture in which athletes are encouraged to try their best without fear of judgment.

“We don’t laugh at each other or make jokes about things others aren’t able to do,” she said. “There is so much encouragement and joy at each and every event, practice or competition.”

The athletes and partners also encouraged others to join the program.

Mercedes said someone considering joining would “love this team more than anything.” Joe described the fun of being involved, while Mike encouraged people to “go for it.”

Dan said, “the more the merrier, fun team and growing by the sport,” and Chad’s advice was equally straightforward: “don’t hesitate.”

For Hammer, the success in Lincoln was made possible by an entire community of people, from families and friends who traveled to Lincoln in the summer heat, to coaches, unified partners, Special Olympics staff, volunteers and even the umpires, who created special poker chips for the team captains before the games.

But ultimately, she said, the athletes themselves were the reason the effort was worthwhile.

“And the athletes who showed courage, sportsmanship, compassion, and teamwork!” Hammer said. “It takes so much time and effort but is always so worth it in the end!”

As the Buffaloes enter their second year, Hammer hopes the Bennington community will continue to get behind the growing program.

“The Bennington Buffalo are here to stay!” she said. “Our family continues to grow and would love the community’s support. Become a fan! Become a coach! Become a unified partner! Become a donor! We are all stronger together!”