Cornhole affords confidence, enjoyable in new MMI league | Newsroom

Matt Frohm is a sports activities fanatic.

On any given day, you may see him decked out in gear from his favourite groups.

But Frohm doesn’t simply watch sports activities. He’s competed in a number of choices from Special Olympics Nebraska. Some caught, like swimming and bocce. Others didn’t, like softball and weightlifting.

Now he’s making an attempt his hand at cornhole, a comparatively new providing from the group.

Frohm is one in every of 28 collaborating within the sport by the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s unified staff. It’s the primary yr MMI has participated in cornhole. In previous years, the institute has participated in bocce ball by Special Olympics Nebraska.

“The Special Olympics Unified Cornhole league at MMI is more than just a game — it’s a celebration of inclusion, teamwork and community spirit,” stated Melonie Welsh, affiliate dean of group engagement. “We are deeply grateful to the staff, family members and friends whose dedication and support made this league possible. Thanks to their efforts, athletes of all abilities have a space where joy, connection and belonging can truly thrive.”

The thud of bean baggage hitting cornhole boards echoed throughout the MMI gymnasium throughout a latest observe session. Team members set free whoops, cheers and phrases of encouragement.

“It really is wonderful to see all the excitement on the faces of the athletes and partners,” stated Mike Mulligan, who’s teaching MMI’s cornhole groups.

Frohm was excited to strive his hand on the sport, stated his mom Judy Frohm.

“He’s enjoying it,” she stated. “I’ve been known to just sign him up, but he’s enjoyed all of the competitions.”

Cornhole has been enjoyable, however there’s been a studying curve, Matt Frohm stated. This is his first time enjoying the sport, which has individuals lobbing bean baggage at a slanted board with a gap within the heart.

It’s enjoyable making an attempt his hand at one thing new, he stated. And it didn’t take lengthy for his aggressive nature to kick in.

Frohm launched colourful bean baggage throughout the gymnasium. Down the row of boards, Lakota Fielder tossed bean baggage, too.

This is his first time competing with Special Olympics. While Lakota likes collaborating in sports activities, it may be robust to search out inclusive choices, stated his mom Mandy Fielder.

“His confidence is built up,” she stated. “I like to see him engaged and with his peers in an activity he enjoys.”