There is something about playing sports that lights up a youngsters’ eyes, but for children with physical and mental challenges, that opportunity can often go unfulfilled. Big D’s Warriors Adaptive Sports Leagues gives these children a chance to play and compete. Adaptive leagues are non-competitive events. Team members are assigned “buddies” who assist in participating and learning each sport. The buddies primary responsibility is to protect the player while allowing them to do as much as they can, but providing assistance as needed. Activities include: Baseball, Basketball, Kickball, Soccer, and coming soon…Golf.
If you have a child who would like to join Big D’s Warriors, please call (303) 622-4260. All programs are FREE and open to ages 5-21 (enrolled in school).
In Memory of Diego Alvarado
Diego Alvarado, also known as Big D, was a special education student who overcame epilepsy, leukemia, and avascular necrosis on his joints. After hip and knee replacements, Diego walked away from a wheelchair and walker, so he could play ball! His freshman year, Big D was in a wheelchair but this didn’t deter him from participating in PE classes and striving to get strong enough to play on the high school baseball team. Sophomore year, Big D used a walker and even though he was in constant pain, he continued to work hard so he could eventually run, catch, and throw. His junior year, he had his hips replaced, but continued to work diligently, knowing that baseball tryouts were only weeks away. He made the team knowing that he would have to keep working hard so he could earn his right to play. On March 12th, his 18th birthday, Big D played his first ever baseball game and scored his first run. He didn’t stop smiling.
In 2016, he played with the Eagles adaptive baseball league. Big D was so passionate about baseball that at every game he would ask to play one of his favorite songs “The Man”, so he could focus and be ready to play. He finished the season scoring, hitting a grand slam, and hit an amazing home run! His greatest joy was playing ball, watching the Colorado Rockies (his favorite team), and being part of the team. His endearing smile, words of encouragement to his team, and the love for the game will forever be in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Today, Diego’s brother, Daniel, keeps his memory alive by coordinating the Cancer Fighter’s to the Rescue Toy Drive each Christmas. Thousands of toys are collected and donated to Children’s Hospital for use throughout the year.