More Than a Team
Inside the Derry Recreation Timberwolves
May 18, 2026
Walk into a Derry Recreation Timberwolves practice and you’ll probably hear cheering before you see anything else.
Athletes encouraging each other after a good shot in basketball. High fives after a strike in bowling. Coaches celebrating personal bests just as loudly as medals. Friends laughing between drills. A team rallying around one another like family.
Because for the Timberwolves, that’s exactly what they are.
The Derry Recreation Timberwolves Special Olympics team includes 26 athletes, 7 Unified partners, and 5 coaches, offering opportunities in track and field, bowling, basketball, and golf. Their athletes range in age from 26 to 66, and every single person brings their own personality, strengths, and story to the team.
“All of our athletes have their own stories to tell,” shared Local Program Coordinator Melinda Mafera. “But together, we are the Timberwolves.”
And while friendships are a huge part of the program, sports are what bring everyone together.
Practices teach structure, commitment, and teamwork. Competitions challenge athletes to trust themselves, push through nerves, improve their skills, and support one another through both wins and losses. Over time, those lessons stretch far beyond the court, lanes, track, or golf course.
For athlete Cory, Special Olympics has become a place where he feels understood, supported, and connected to others like him. Over the past 11 years, basketball and bowling have helped him grow more confident and open up socially.
“My teammates mean a lot to me and they can trust me,” Cory shared. His advice to others: “Remember your worth, stay positive, and know you can do anything you put your heart and mind to.”
Courtney, who joined the Timberwolves in 2006, says the friendships and support keep her coming back year after year.
“Once a Timberwolf, always a Timberwolf.”
For Brandon, who has been an SONH athlete for 24 years, sports have given him the opportunity to compete, challenge himself, and spend time with teammates and friends. While basketball is his favorite sport, one of Brandon’s favorite memories came on the golf course, winning a gold medal for his dad, who coached him for many years.
“I do love Special Olympics and I love to support my team,” he said.
That feeling of connection extends far beyond the athletes themselves.
Brandon’s mom, Pam, first became involved as his Unified golf partner and quickly discovered how meaningful sports can be for volunteers and families, too.
“Their smiles when they compete are incredible,” she shared.
Alicia has been involved as an athlete with Special Olympics for more than 35 years, building friendships, confidence, and lifelong skills through sports like swimming, basketball, bowling, and track and field.
Her father Joe says volunteering has been easy because Special Olympics is “her favorite activity.”
He also emphasized how important volunteers are to programs like the Timberwolves.
“Without volunteers and coaches, athletes may not be able to participate in the sports they love.”
That need for volunteers is very real.
The Timberwolves would love to welcome even more athletes into the program, but additional volunteers, coaches, and Unified partners are needed to help make that possible.
And according to Melinda, volunteering often changes the lives of the volunteers just as much as the athletes.
A few years ago, Melinda unexpectedly had the opportunity to step in as a Unified Partner for their golf team. At the time, she knew almost nothing about golf and was nervous to get out onto the course.
“But our team cheered me on and became my biggest cheerleaders,” she said.
What followed was a rainy 18-hole tournament full of laughter, teamwork, and memories.
“It wasn’t about getting gold,” Melinda shared. “It was about being out there together, showcasing the skills we worked hard on at practice, and having fun.”
Today, she owns her own set of golf clubs, the golf team has grown by three athletes, and she’s excited for another season on the course.
That’s what makes the Timberwolves special.
More than a sports team, they’ve built a community rooted in encouragement, trust, teamwork, and growth.
Be Part of the Timberwolves Story
The Derry Recreation Timberwolves are ready to grow and welcome even more athletes into their family, but they need additional volunteers, coaches, and Unified partners to help make that possible.
Whether you’re a lifelong athlete or trying something completely new, there’s a place for you here.
As the Timberwolves have shown, Special Olympics is about far more than sports. It’s about showing up for one another, building confidence through competition, and creating opportunities for athletes to succeed both on and off the field of play.
Interested in joining the Timberwolves or finding a local Special Olympics program near you?