PLATTSBURGH — Wearing bright-yellow T-shirts with their team name emblazoned in orange and blue print, the MVP Kids hustled about the playing field with unbridled enthusiasm.

They were learning the game of baseball, but more importantly, they were learning how to play, cooperate and interact with one another while sharing a common goal — to have fun.

The kids, ages 5 through 8, were participating in a newly created sports league for children with autism spectrum disorders.

The idea is to help them become involved in group activities that they might otherwise shy away from.

"Most of these children don't care to be active or to go outside," said Katie Bond, who has coordinated the process for setting up the unique program.

"Being on a county or town team is difficult for them. Here, there is no judgment placed on them."

STRUCTURED PRACTICE
A total of 20 kids are broken into two teams of 10 for the Tuesday practices at Peter S. Blumette Park in Plattsburgh's West End. Another group of kids ranging in age from 9 to 12 meets on Thursdays.

"Many of them have never experienced anything like this," Bond said. "It gets them outside and physically active. Sometimes, that's like pulling teeth for parents."

The practices are structured in a way that the kids develop a routine each day, going through stretching exercises to help prepare for physical activities and then individual and group drills.

"I think it's going very well," said Bond, whose 8-year-old son, Keagan, participates. "He did have experience with town baseball, but here he's gaining peer relationships, and it's working out much better."

EXPERT LEADERS
The success of the program centers on more than two dozen volunteers who have taken coaching roles for the program.

"They're here to redirect the children, to keep them on task," Bond said.

She noted that many of the volunteers have professional experience with children who have autism spectrum disorders, including special-education teachers, students studying related curricula and speech pathologists.

"We just want the kids to enjoy it, to get some socialization and physical activity," Bond said. "The kids are happy; the parents are happy. We're doing something right."

BONDING
For Amy and Tracy Guynup, watching their 5-year-old daughter, Emily, participate has been a very positive experience.

"Emily's biggest need is socialization," Amy said. "With a non-competitive team such as this, she has a chance to socialize with her peers, to interact with other people. Most of the time, she will avoid social interaction."

Now, Emily looks forward to Tuesday evenings and has talked at home about some of her new teammates. She has formed a special bond with Dominic Bordeau, a 9-year-old who does not have an autism disorder but just enjoys helping the athletes learn about baseball.

"We were having issues when Emily didn't want to do what was being directed by the group," Tracy said of his daughter's first few days of practice. "But Dominic has really helped her a lot. She has really taken to him."

ATTENTION SPAN
Lisa Briscoe appreciates the unique opportunity her son, Jacobi, has gained from the program.

"I think he has a natural sports ability, but it is hard for him to be on a regular sports team," she said of the 7-year-old. "His attention span is so short that it takes a lot of staff to keep him on track. With only one coach, there isn't a lot of time to devote to one player."

Jacobi also has problems socializing with his peers, but Lisa has already seen improvements and is confident the experience will strengthen his self-esteem and socialization skills.

6-WEEK BLOCKS
The league will offer a six-week sessions throughout the year, including programs in soccer, playground games, bowling, basketball and swimming.

All children with autism spectrum disorders are welcome, regardless of physical and cognitive ability. Modifications will be made for children on an individual basis, with volunteers able to assist.

E-mail Jeff Meyers at: jmeyers@pressrepublican.com