Unified Champion Club
Inclusion
Community Means Everyone!
The AYCC Unified Champion Program promotes social inclusion using sports and clubs as the foundation to create climates of acceptance. Members with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in, and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities and functions.
Volunteers/Partners are the backbone of this program. By implementing inclusive sports, youth leadership opportunities, and whole facility engagement, the Unified Champion Program will create meaningful change in creating a socially inclusive community that supports and engages all learners.
Program Sponsors
Bambino Buddy Ball
Bambino Buddy Ball is an inclusive, non-competitive baseball program designed for elementary school-aged youth with physical or intellectual challenges. Our goal is simple, give every child the opportunity to experience the joy of playing baseball in a safe, supportive, and fun environment.
Each player is paired with a “Buddy,” an adult volunteer who helps them navigate the game, offering encouragement, guidance, and friendship. Whether it’s hitting, running the bases, or just being a part of a team, every player is celebrated.
Program Highlight
- Open to all skill levels and abilities
- Athletes are elementary school aged youth (Generally ages 5-12)
- One-on-one support from trained Adult Buddies
- Focus on fun, teamwork, and confidence-building
- Free to participate
Become a Player or Buddy
Whether you’re signing up your child or volunteering as a Buddy, Bambino Buddy Ball is a powerful way to connect, grow, and have a blast on the field.
Rec Basketball begins Dec 4
- Thursdays 5:00-6:00 pm
- December 4-January 29
- AYCC Gyms
- Grades K-8
- 1:1 partner ratio
- FREE
Contact:
207-873-0684 | athletics@clubaycc.org
Upcoming Programs
Subject to Changes – Follow us on Facebook for details.
Events
See calendar for details
- Jan 12 – Alliance Meeting 5:00-6:00 pm @ the AYCC
- Jan 16 – Shine On! Event 6:00-8:00 pm @ Faith Church
- Feb 13 – Night to Shine @Faith Church
- Mar 6 – AOEC Ski Trip-Day Trip (sign-up more info to come)
Unified Champion Club Coordinator
Meet Josh!
A native of Barrington, New Hampshire, Joshua Guptel brings ore than 20 years of experience in youth development, athletics, and nonprofit leadership to the role of the Unified Champions Club Coordinator. He currently serves as the Pitching Coach at Thomas College and has spent over two decades with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, primarily in Hartford, New Britain, and Bristol, Connecticut.
Throughout his career, Josh has held a wide range of leadership roles, including Education & Technology Director, Athletic Director, Program Director, Unit Director, and Executive Director. He also served as Discovery Sports Programs in Bristol, CT, where he led inclusive, skill-building sports initiatives designed to engage youth of all abilities.
As a father of three – Austin, Victoria, and Nathias – Josh is deeply committed to creating supportive, inclusive environments where young people can grow, connect, and succeed. His passion for athletics, mentorship, and inclusion makes him a strong leader for the AYCC’s Unified Champions Club.
Contact:
Joshua Guptel, Unified Champion Club Coordinator | 207-873-0684 x294 | jguptel@clubaycc.org
December Programs
Basketball
- Thursdays from 5:00-7:00 pm
- AYCC Gyms
Swimming
- Mondays from 7:00-8:00 pm
- AYCC’s Therapy Pool
#Choosetoinclude
All participants must meet with Program Coordinator before entering the program.
Interested in learning more about how to start a Unified Champion Clubs program in your community? Contact Special Olympics of Maine at 207-879-0489 or visit their website https://www.somaine.org/.
Become a Unified Athlete
Become a Unified Partner
Links & More Info
Unified Champion Clubs – Special Olympics Maine
Follow us on Social Media:
@AYCCUnifiedChampionClub
@UnifiedChampionSchoolsAndClubs
@aycc_ucc
