De’Vonte (Little Brother) and Jay (Big Brother), matched in the Sports Buddies program, have made stellar progress as a match this year. When COVID took hold of the world, De’Vonte and Jay used the lockdown to strengthen their relationship. During quarantine, De’Vonte and Jay met virtually for five one-to-one hangouts! Once Sports Buddies went back to in-person events in July, the pair consistently attended events, including various park themed events, a ropes course challenge and pumpkin carving. Due to their impressive progress as a match, De’Vonte and Jay have earned the option to move to Sports Buddies Plus! This means that they will be able to communicate and see each other outside of BBBSC-facilitated Sports Buddies events.
During the time De’Vonte and Jay have been matched, De’Vonte’s mother, Nicola, has seen a dramatic improvement in De’Vonte’s grades at school. Online learning has been a struggle for children nationwide, however De’Vonte has made the most of the learning situation. Both Nicola and Jay have also praised De’Vonte for his improved behavior. He is more willing to open up to his mother and Jay, who are delighted to see the change.
It will be exciting to help De’Vonte and Jay progress to Sports Buddies Plus and watch them take their relationship to new heights. Great job De’Vonte and Jay! You two are a fantastic representation of Sports Buddies, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado as a whole.