MEDFORD BASKETBALL LEAGUE EMPOWERS ECG SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS

(LYNCHBURG, VA) – A new program at E. C. Glass High School is providing opportunities for disabled students to play basketball competitively this year. For the first time, the school is participating in the Medford League, a Virginia basketball league that expands access to team sports for special education students.

“The Medford League provides unique opportunities for kids who might not otherwise be able to participate in team sports. They get all the fun of being part of a team without the exclusivity,” said E. C. Glass special education teacher and department co-lead Neal Hatcher. 

Named after a former Chesterfield County principal, the Medford League started as a field day for learners with disabilities in the 1970s. It has since grown into a basketball league that includes schools across Virginia. This season, E. C. Glass will play six games against Altavista Combined School, Brookville High School, and Rustburg High School, vying for a spot in the regional playoffs in November. Games are low-pressure and adapted to players’ individual needs and skillsets.

“People sometimes make assumptions about what these students can and can’t do. The Medford League offers them opportunities to showcase their abilities. They’re capable of a lot more than people think,” said E. C. Glass special education teacher and department co-lead Melanie Robinson.

The E. C. Glass Medford League won their inaugural home game against Brookville High School with a score of 57-32 on Thursday, Oct. 9. A cheering crowd gathered to support them, made up of E. C. Glass general education students, Heritage High School and Sandusky Middle School special education students, and E. C. Glass special education graduates. 

With four matches to go before a potential shot at the playoffs, the E. C. Glass Medford League team is looking forward to the rest of the season. Whether they take home the trophy or not, the experiences they’ll gain along the way will be pure gold.

“The basketball league gives students opportunities to work on social skills and have the experience of coming together as a team. That includes both winning together and losing together,” said E. C. Glass special education teacher Mary Babcock.

For more information, contact Austin Journey at journeyat@lcsedu.net or (434) 515-5068. 

Lynchburg City Schools works hard to support every child, by name and by need, to graduation and beyond. Learn more here. Information and images in this report were supplied by Lynchburg City School officials and are used with permission for editorial purposes in accordance with state public information guidelines.