2025 Award Recipient
HenryScolnick
Project Ballers Basketball
Project Ballers Basketball
Henry is the founder of Ballers Basketball, an adaptive basketball league for kids with unique abilities to come together and engage in the joy of the sport. His inspiration for starting the league is his brother, Oliver, who has autism. Oliver and Henry both love basketball and both wanted to play as kids. But as they got older and sports became more competitive, Oliver was no longer able to participate. Henry was deeply saddened by this, especially because their town had no adaptive league for kids with unique needs like his brother’s. So Henry set out to create one.
Henry partnered with Aid Another, a local nonprofit organization, to launch Ballers Basketball.
By fostering teamwork, growth, and fun in a judgment-free environment that adapts to individual abilities, Ballers Basketball empowers players to overcome challenges and celebrate their unique strengths. It also provides a sense of belonging, defining players not by their differences but by their love of basketball and working as a team.
Henry recruits his peers to serve as volunteer buddies to each player, and trains them on best practices for supporting their buddy. Parents get a rare opportunity to stand back and enjoy watching their child have fun, knowing they are supported by a buddy while participating in a spirited and inclusive activity.
An adaptive basketball league that offers young people with disabilities the chance to engage in the excitement and teamwork of the sport.
