How Sports Inspire Passion, Wellness, & Belonging at Noah Homes & Beyond
At Noah Homes, sports aren’t just games—they inspire passion, wellness, and belonging. Whether it’s cheering for the Padres, going bowling, or participating in community leagues, sports play a significant role in the lives of our residents. Sports provide opportunities to move our bodies, share laughter, build friendships, and feel the thrill of being part of something bigger than ourselves.
The Power of Play
For many of our residents, sports are more than a pastime—they’re a pathway to self-confidence and growth. Whether it’s the first time someone scores a basket or the joy of wearing a team jersey, these moments create lasting pride and personal achievement. Sports help develop skills such as teamwork, communication, and perseverance, while also promoting physical fitness in ways that are exciting and accessible.
Health and Wellness Through Activity
Regular physical activity is essential for all of us, but especially for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At Noah Homes, we work to make movement fun and inclusive. From Zumba and line dancing to softball and kickball, our sports and recreation programs are designed to meet residents where they are—supporting balance, coordination, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being. Noah Homes residents Christina and Andrew recently ran a 5k this summer and were thrilled to show their medals to their peers.
Belonging On and Off the Field
Perhaps the most powerful part of sports is their ability to unite people. Our residents don’t just play sports—they experience the camaraderie that comes from cheering together, high-fiving after a good play, and feeling seen and valued as part of a team. Through Special Olympics and other local sports programs, residents connect with athletes from other communities, forming friendships that extend far beyond the playing field.
Beyond Noah Homes
The benefits of sports and physical activity ripple outward into the wider community. We’ve seen firsthand how inclusive sports events break down barriers and change perceptions. Watching a game where players of all abilities share the spotlight inspires everyone in attendance to rethink what’s possible. It’s a reminder that belonging isn’t about fitting in—it’s about creating spaces where everyone has a role to play.
A Shared Celebration of Spirit
From the joy of a Padres game outing to friendly rivalries, sports bring out the best in us. They give our residents a platform to shine, an outlet for their passions, and a reason to come together. Many of our folks can share distant memories of attending games as children and often remember stats from their favorite players. Two of our residents, Jean and Amy, have even taken to the internet, hosting sports news shows on Zoom for their friends.
If you’re inspired by the joy and belonging that sports bring to our residents, we invite you to help keep these programs thriving. By joining The Noah Society—our not-so-secret society of monthly givers—you can ensure that activities like these continue to grow and enrich lives here at Noah Homes. Your steady support makes a lasting impact, providing opportunities for our residents to stay active, connected, and celebrated all year long.