Friendship Circle Launches Basketball League in West Bloomfield

Friendship Circle is collaborating with I9 Inclusion Sports, which appeals to children who want to play less competitive sports, to develop a basketball league in three age brackets.

The league, which will run from Feb. 2-March 30, will hold games on a weekly basis. Typically-abled players are being recruited by I9, while Friendship Circle is looking for children from 4-13 years old, who have special needs.

Games will be held at the Florene Elkus & Edward Elkus Memorial Gym inside of Friendship Circle, with teams made up of 70 percent typically-abled players and 30 percent children with special needs.

“There is huge benefit for both groups of children as the more typically-abled kids learn empathy, teamwork and other real life lessons," said Bassie Shemtov of Friendship Circle. "The idea of this league is to promote inclusion and compassion. Not every young person who plays sports has the desire or ability to play in the more highly competitive leagues. Sports are a great outlet and we are proud to be in on this ground floor opportunity."

WXYT-FM 97.1 talk show host Dan Leach will provide play-by-play announcing at the inaugural game.

Friendship Circle provides assistance and support for more than 3,000 families of children with special needs, at the Ferber Kaufman Life Town building, a 28,000-square-foot therapy/activity center and meeting place on Maple Road in West Bloomfield. Learn more at FriendshipCircle.org.