Dream Program flag football exhibition game

East Mississippi Community College took on the Arizona Western Matadors for the national championship in Perk Sunday, but before the big game they played on a smaller field.
Score did not matter Saturday at the Dream Program’s flag football game with the East Mississippi Community College Lions.
For the past five years, the EMCC Lions have been a part of the flag football exhibition bowl when they make the trip from Scooba, Mississippi to play in the national championship. EMCC Head Coach Buddy Stephens said, “Getting to run the red lights in the bus with state troopers and the ball game, this is the highlight of our trip. Tony has been here and works at Winn Dixie now and Tony has learned to be very self-sufficient and we are here to have a great day with him and the rest of the Dream Program.”
The Dream Program provides opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in organized sports, music, and the arts. Dream Program Mom Lori Owens said, “They play football and basketball and softball and they have a music program and horseback riding and it’s just for anybody with a disability to get to do anything.”
For athletes like Jeremy Johnson, this day is always one he looks forward to. “It’s pretty fun. I like all the cheerleaders and stuff. I got me a girlfriend named Shelby now and I started playing good and I got a couple touchdowns.”
The day was filled with fun, football, and memories that will last a lifetime.