Saint Paul’s students helped volunteer in Opelousas, Louisiana, for a Special Populations softball tournament on the weekend of October 21, 2023.

Special Populations, or “Special Pops,” is a collective that allows anyone with special needs to participate in a variety of different sports, ranging from volleyball to basketball. This time the event was softball, as different teams from around the state went to compete against each other in a state-wide tournament.

The team that Saint Paul’s Key Club students volunteer with is called the North Shore Mustangs, and they are a part of the North Shore District. Before they could compete at the statewide tournament, the ‘Stangs had to undergo eight weeks of practice to be eligible.

Each person has his or her specialty, as some can do things better than others. Even though skill levels differ, everyone improves throughout the practice cycle.

Special Pops is also very inclusive. It doesn’t require any fees to join, and the minimum age requirement is only eight years old. This allows players both old and young to join in and form lifelong bonds through sports.

“Some athletes play for different districts for different sports, and the tournaments are a way to catch up with teammates that they don’t play with anymore,” said Saint Paul’s junior Claude Scarpelli.

Since being founded in the 1970s, Special Pops has offered a chance for people with intellectual disabilities to unite and create relationships through sports and competition.

“It’s really incredible that these young men want to go out and volunteer their time to help people,” said Saint Paul’s Key Club moderator Kevin Moore.

The Mustangs picked up a few wins and a few losses, but what matters the most is enjoying the experience and making memories that the players will never forget.