National Ability Basketball League Provides Year-Round Opportunities for Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities

Strategic Insights -

Nick LaVere's younger brother, Alex, is autistic and has been playing in Special Olympics basketball at Glenbard South. When the regular seasons end, Nick LaVere realized that there are no off-season opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to continue working on their game. He founded the National Ability Basketball League (NABL) in 2023 to provide year-round basketball opportunities for these athletes.

LaVere's goal is to create a special recreational organization that keeps players engaged in the sport throughout the year. The NABL is currently concluding its 10-week summer basketball program at the Carol Stream Park District's Fountain View Recreation Center, with the final one-hour camps starting at 6 p.m. on Thursdays, Aug. 21 and 28. The program attracted about 20 players, including twin brothers Payton and Luke Perry of Wheaton, who played on teams that twice finished in the top three in state competitions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Ability Basketball League (NABL) provides year-round basketball opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
  • The NABL was founded by Nick LaVere in 2023 to expand opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, such as his brother Alex, who is autistic.
  • The NABL offers a 10-week summer basketball program and plans to create a special recreational organization that provides off-season opportunities for athletes to continue working on their game.
  • The NABL aims to be coed and will coordinate community events and scrimmages at colleges and universities.
  • Nick LaVere aspires to make the basketball league a full-time pursuit, offering one-on-one training sessions, fundraisers, sponsorships, multiple teams, and a full schedule.
  • The NABL will be saluted by the Kane County Cougars on Aug. 27 as part of their Community Spotlight series.

Statistics:

  • The NABL was founded in 2023 by Nick LaVere.
  • The organization currently has a board of directors and a fundraising director.
  • About 20 players participate in the NABL's 10-week summer basketball program.
  • Payton and Luke Perry of Wheaton, who played on teams that twice finished in the top three in state competitions, are among the players involved in the NABL.
  • The NABL plans to offer one-on-one training sessions, fundraisers, sponsorships, multiple teams, and a full schedule if made a full-time pursuit.

Sources:

  • Dave Oberhelman, "People generally are inspired by those older than themselves. Not so with Nick LaVere...", dailyherald.com, Aug 20, 2024