In 2007, when Brookhaven Recreation Department Director TerryReid asked then-8-year-old Tra Henderson if he was ready to playT-ball, Henderson looked at him and said, “Man, I’ve been waitingfor this my whole life.”

That’s the magic of the special needs T-ball program, officialssaid as the deadline to register approaches. It gives special needschildren the opportunity to play a sport with other kids just likethey’ve seen their brothers and sisters do all their lives.

“They’ve always watched their siblings play, and they’ve neverhad the opportunity to play and now they can,” Reid said.

The first game of the season is Thursday, May 6 at 6 p.m. onField 4 at the sports complex, Reid said, and anyone who wants tobe involved is invited to step up to the plate.

“We’ve had some register, but if you haven’t and you want to,you can still come on,” Reid said. “We’ll even do it there.”

The schedule runs right alongside other ball schedules, and assuch there’s plenty going on at the ball field while the games aregoing on.

“It’s good for the parents and good for the kids,” Reid said.”They get to play at the same time, and on the same nights, andthey’re included in our program like every other kid that wants toplay.”

The special needs T-ball program has been under way since 2007,and Reid said it’s been a success ever since, simply because itprovides a positive adventure for children, parents, coaches andspectators.

“There’s always a good experience coming out of it, and it’s notabout numbers as much as having a quality experience in life,” Reidsaid. “We’ll play with five or play with 40. It’s fun for all, andanyone who wants to see what we’re doing to help these children,we’d love to have you.”

Recreation department officials said any special needs childthat wants to play is welcome, and there should be noobstacles.

“We provide everything, just come sign up,” Reid said. “It’s nota money issue, just bring your children to play.”