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.
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.
- Wednesdays @ 5:00 pm
- July 16-August 27
- Purnell-Wrigley Field, 47 Mathews Ave., Waterville
- OPENING DAY – WEDNESDAY, JULY 16 @ 5:00 PM
Contact:
207-873-0684 | athletics@clubaycc.org
Upcoming Programs
Subject to Changes – Follow us on Facebook for details.
Events
See calendar for details
- Sept 2 – Snap-Ed – 5:00-6:30 pm – AYCC
- Sept 3 – Kayaking trip – 5:00-6:30 pm – Camp Tracy
- Sept 4 – Lawn Games – 5:00-7:00 pm – AYCC
- Sept 8 – Alliance Meeting – 4-5 pm – AYCC Boardroom
- Sept 14 – Community Breakfast at Masonic Lodge
- Sept 26 – Unified’s Got Talent – 5-7 pm – Waterville HS
- Sept 27 – Unified Cornhole Tournament – Thomas College
- Oct 17 – Shine On! Event – 5-8 pm
- Oct 22 – Inclusion Game – 4:30 & 6:30 pm – Thomas College
- Nov 13 – AYCC’s Community Holiday Dinner – 4:30-7 pm – AYCC gymnasiums
Unified Champion Club Coordinator
Meet Molly!
Molly Folsom has a long history of working with inclusive and community-focused programs, starting with their time at Pine Tree Camp in Rome, Maine, during high school and college. After graduating from the University of Maine at Farmington in 2022, Molly began working in athletics before transitioning to the Unified Champion Club (UCC) in December 2023 when it was restructured under AYCC’s Athletics Department, led by Beth LaFountain.
As the UCC Coordinator, Molly has found immense joy in connecting with the families and athletes who make up the program, feeling embraced as part of the Unified community. Together with Beth and the support of the community, Molly has helped expand UCC’s reach and impact across central Maine. Their passion for fostering inclusivity and growth continues to drive the program forward, with exciting plans on the horizon.
Contact:
Molly Folsom
Unified Champion Club Coordinator
207-873-0684 x294 | mfolsom@clubaycc.org
Pickleball
Join us for pickleball! It’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the country! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, pickleball is a great way to stay active, build skills, and connect with friends in an inclusive and supportive environment.
- AYCC’s gyms
- Mondays from 5:00-6:30 pm
- September 8, 15, 22 & 29
Soccer
Lace up your sneakers and join us for soccer! This fun, fast-paced activity is all about teamwork, skill-building, and making connections on and off the field. Soccer is a great way to stay active! Join us on Tuesdays!
- AYCC’s Purnell-Wrigley Field, 47 Mathews Ave., Waterville
- Tuesdays, 5:00-7:00 pm
- September 9, 16, 23 & 30
Dance Ability Demo
Dance Ability- 8 week dance program run by teacher Michaela Knox. More info on this program can be found on their website: Spark Dance Program
When: Thursdays starting in September 9/11, 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6 (no class 10/16)
- Location Varies
- Thursdays 5:00-7:00 pm
- Sept 11, 18, 25
- Oct 2, 9, 23 & 30
- Nov 6
#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
