Clayton Parks and Recreation Celebrates Third Season of Journey League
BJ steps onto the basketball court with focus, looking around for familiar faces before a big smile spreads across his face. As the game starts, he makes a few baskets, each one cheered on by his mother, Christina Chavis, in the stands. Friday nights have become the highlight of his week. They are a chance to move, laugh, and spend time with teammates who know him as both a friend and a player. As Clayton Parks and Recreation wraps up its third season of Journey League, BJ’s story shows the heart of a program built on belonging.
Journey League is an adaptive basketball program for athletes with disabilities, ages 13 and older. Each six-week session brings players together on Friday evenings at the Clayton Community Center (715 Amelia Church Road) for drills, skill-building, and games that focus on teamwork and encouragement. Volunteer coaches and community members help create a space where athletes can improve, gain confidence, and feel supported.
Clayton became a host site in 2025, one of the newer locations in the Triangle. The first season started in February, and participation has grown with each session. The program happens three times a year, giving athletes the chance to stay active, make friends, and feel part of their community.
Recreation Program Supervisor Sean Quigley said the gym shows the program’s impact every week. “What you hear is joy,” he said. “The space is uplifting and motivating for everyone.” He added, “This league is about helping athletes grow, celebrating their effort, and giving every player a place to shine and belong.”
Journey League Co-Founder and Coach Cal Maxwell praised Clayton for supporting the program. “Clayton has been wonderful for Journey League,” Maxwell said. “This program gives athletes a safe place to be themselves, explore their talents, and learn skills that reach beyond the court.”
For BJ’s mother, Journey League gave her family something special. She said her son comes home every week excited, talking about teammates, funny moments, and achievements that made him proud. “They are not defined by a diagnosis. They are athletes,” Chavis said. “Here, they are seen for who they are, and that matters.”
Chavis also shared that the program has built a community for parents. As a single mother raising a child with special needs, life can often feel lonely. Journey League became a place where she met other parents in similar situations. “What started as a basketball night became a space where families feel connected and supported while watching their children grow and gain independence,” said Chavis.
After the final practice and game on Friday, December 19, Clayton Parks and Recreation hosted an ice cream party to celebrate the season. Athletes, families, coaches, volunteers, and staff came together to honor effort, growth, and the friendships made. For parents like Chavis, these moments show that their children are valued, supported, and part of a caring community.
As the season wraps up, BJ is already thinking about the next Friday night on the court. The next Journey League season in Clayton will begin in March 2026.
Clayton Parks and Recreation invites community members who want to help Journey League as coaches or volunteers. Those interested can contact the department at claytonparks.org to learn how to support athletes and families in a welcoming environment.
