MADISONVILLE, Tenn. — On Sunday, 'Without Limits' teams from Loudon, Sweetwater and Tellico Plains played in their second annual 'All-Star Showcase' in Kefauver Park in Madisonville.
It was a community event with a petting zoo, snow cones, games and a visit from the Madisonville Fire Department!
Sonya Harris started the organization in 2018 with the Tellico Plains team.
"These kids want an opportunity to play ball," Harris said. "We want these kids to hear their name on the sound system. We want them to have as much fun as any other child."
Sarah Woodruff and her daughter Kat joined the Tellico Village team in 2019.
"We fell in love," Woodruff said. "Sonya was such a blessing and so were the other people who volunteered. We wanted to get the whole county involved and started a team in Sweetwater."
Kat passed away in 2020, but now her mom keeps her memory alive and still coaches the Sweetwater team.
"We have some that are really competitive, who could care less about the bubbles and petting zoo," Woodruff said. "They all just have a really good time running around no matter their ability or disability."
In the last couple of years, Rebecca McBride started the Loudon team.
"This gives them an outlet," McBride said. "Other than Special Olympics, they really don't have activities to be involved in. It's been wonderful, the community support has been amazing."
These women's hope is to expand Without Limits. If you or someone you know is interested in creating a team in your community, contact Sonya Harris at harrisd1985@gmail.com.