CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — It was a night of dancing, smiling and making memories.
Garry Cathell, PSFCA Executive Director, says the Big 33 Buddy Dance is the first of its kind.
“We obviously do a lot of events and activities at the Big 33 game, so we did some discussion, some talking, went out and talked to some sponsors and we came up with another three events,” Cathell said.
The dance is part of the Big 33 Buddy Program, which pairs individuals with special needs with Big 33 players and cheerleaders.
It was hosted at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit.
Associate Executive Director, Nicole Whitmire, says the venue couldn’t have been more perfect.
“I think it makes the perfect fit because they are working with individuals with special needs, so it was great of them to volunteer and open this up for us,” Whitmire said.
The dance hosted more than 30 pairs of buddies.
Buddy Coordinator, Tammy Schuster, says it’s an important inclusive event.
“They’re part of the Big 33 and truthfully, it’s about a game the heart of the Big 33 is our buddies,” Schuster said.
Organizers hope to make the dance an annual event going forward.
All the buddies from Friday’s gala are expected to participate in the upcoming Big 33 game in May.
Big 33 also hosted a buddy mini-golf and bowling match earlier this year.
The program is currently accepting registration applications for 2024 Big 33 Buddy. Anyone interested in registering must be 5 years old or older.