Maryland Football Hosts Successful "Football Field of Dreams" for Individuals with Disabilities
COLLEGE PARK, MD – In a heartwarming kickoff to the 2025 season, Maryland football hosted its inaugural "Football Field of Dreams" event at the Jones-Hill House, welcoming about 100 individuals with disabilities. For Ethan Gough, a redshirt senior long snapper, the experience surpassed any traditional victory. “This is better than a win in my book,” he said, reflecting on the joy shared during the event.
The collaboration with the Beautiful Lives Project provided an opportunity for participants—87 adults and 13 children—to engage in activities often unavailable to them. "For one day, the participants feel like they’re part of the team," said Tony Gionfriddo, executive director of the project. Teams from different ARCs across the state participated in various stations, which included passing drills, tackling, and scoring touchdowns, all met with cheers from Maryland players.
Maryland head coach Michael Locksley emphasized the positive impact of the event, noting it fostered a genuine connection between athletes and community members. “To see our players working with the Beautiful Lives Project reminded me of the good in college sports,” he said, highlighting the heartfelt interactions that eclipsed typical narratives of entitlement within the athletic world.
Participants, including children like 11-year-old Maddox Shaffer, thrived in the spotlight, showcasing their skills and celebrating with the Terps players. Responses from players, such as celebrating touchdowns or guiding agility drills, were filled with enthusiasm.
The day wasn’t just memorable for the participants. Gough, whose cousin has Down Syndrome, felt personally touched by the event. “You can’t take the smiles off these faces,” he said. Both participants and players left with lasting memories, glowing from the transformative experience.
For more coverage, contact Edward Lee at eklee@baltsun.com.
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