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A neighborhood tradition that started in a Dartmouth backyard has grown into an inspiring nonprofit organization.
Theresa Street pays homage to the backyard where summer wiffleball tournaments brought together a community of people.
"I always loved to organize things, and we loved to play Wiffle ball, so we started a tournament in my parents' backyard," said Ray Paul Biron, a Theresa Street founder, in a previous Standard Times article. "Then every summer after about 20 to 30 of us would organize a whole weekend of competing and just having fun."
Quickly, the event grew from middle schoolers playing ball to adults returning home for the beloved “Summer Classic," looking forward to a weekend of nostalgia and competition.
As the event had the potential to keep expanding, the group realized it was time to do something meaningful with their tradition.
Thus, Theresa Street was born to raise funds through various events to support unified sports programs through Dartmouth and New Bedford public schools.
Unified sports programs aim to promote inclusion, bringing together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities onto the same team. These programs foster friendships and provide equal opportunities for participation.
“Theresa Street is really special, there’s always something going on,” said Sarah DeMello, board member of Theresa Street. “It’s incredible to witness how the community shows up for these events.”
'Tis the season: Food trucks in the SouthCoast serving up authentic flavors and dishes
Next on the docket is their fourth annual Harbor Run 5K, scheduled for Saturday, May 3.
A lighthearted race that travels along a scenic route starting at Dartmouth High School and ending in Padanaram Village. It is open to all runners and walkers of all abilities.
At the start of the race, there is a unified lap where all the unified athletes come together to take a lap around Dartmouth High School gym, commemorating the purpose and unity of the race.
“You get goosebumps watching the unified athletes,” said Meagan Sebastio, Secretary of Theresa Street. “It’s really special to see the friendships they have formed through sports and to watch the athletes cheer each other on.”
Sebastio also noted that she once coached unified sports, "I can't express how incredible the program is and how rewarding it is to raise funds for them."
The 5K ends in Padanaram Village, where there will be water, snacks, and music. Sail Loft in Padanaram will be hosting an outdoor celebration after the race for all those involved in the 5K.
Last year’s event included over 250 participants and raised over $12,000.
“It’s just such a wonderful event,” said DeMello. “It’s truly remarkable to see the joy it brings to everyone involved and to be able to provide support to these unified sports programs.”
Get your scoop: Ice cream shops are opening all across Greater New Bedford
Depending on your age, you can sign up in one of four categories: 14 years old and under, 15 to 29 years old, 30 to 49 years old, or 50-plus years old.
Medals will be awarded to the top three men and women in each category, as well as the top three runners overall.
Registration can be done online at https://raceroster.com/events/2025/101884/theresa-streets-4th-annual-harbor-run or in person starting at 9 a.m. at Dartmouth High School, 555 Bakerville Road, Dartmouth.
It costs $30 to pre-register before the event, and $35 to register day of the event.
You can fundraise for the event by signing up as a team, individually, or by donating to the cause.
All the funds support the unified sports programs in Dartmouth and New Bedford.
Sebastio, who is also a photographer for the event, remarked on the memories she has captured behind the lens. "It is heartwarming to see the runners crossing the bridge, full of excitement as they near the finish line. The streets are lined with people cheering them on," she said.
“You don’t have to be a runner; anyone is welcome to take part at their own pace,” said DeMello. "It’s a very welcoming atmosphere that is inclusive for everyone of every ability.”
June 21 and 22: 17th Annual Summer Classic, bringing it back to where it all began with a weekend of wiffle ball. The tournament will be hosted at Buzzards Bay Brewing, 98 Horseneck Road, Westport.
Aug. 23: Fifth Annual Golf Open, hosted at the Acushnet River Valley Golf Course, 685 Main St., Acushnet. It’s a day of “drinks, good spirits, and dubious scores.”
October (date and place TBD): Second Annual Kickball Tournament, bringing back the nostalgia of childhood fun.
Dec. 13 and 14: Inaugural Pickleball Open, a tournament for intermediate and advanced players. Hosted by Southcoast Pickleball, 4 David Drown Blvd., Fairhaven.
Keep an eye out for a glamorous gala that is also in the works for the beginning of 2026.
For more information about these events, visit https://www.theresastreet.org.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Annual Harbor Run 5K slated for May 3 raises funds for unified sports
Continue reading...
Theresa Street pays homage to the backyard where summer wiffleball tournaments brought together a community of people.
"I always loved to organize things, and we loved to play Wiffle ball, so we started a tournament in my parents' backyard," said Ray Paul Biron, a Theresa Street founder, in a previous Standard Times article. "Then every summer after about 20 to 30 of us would organize a whole weekend of competing and just having fun."
Quickly, the event grew from middle schoolers playing ball to adults returning home for the beloved “Summer Classic," looking forward to a weekend of nostalgia and competition.
Theresa Street supports unified sports programs
As the event had the potential to keep expanding, the group realized it was time to do something meaningful with their tradition.
Thus, Theresa Street was born to raise funds through various events to support unified sports programs through Dartmouth and New Bedford public schools.
Unified sports programs aim to promote inclusion, bringing together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities onto the same team. These programs foster friendships and provide equal opportunities for participation.
“Theresa Street is really special, there’s always something going on,” said Sarah DeMello, board member of Theresa Street. “It’s incredible to witness how the community shows up for these events.”
You must be registered for see images
'Tis the season: Food trucks in the SouthCoast serving up authentic flavors and dishes
When is the next event?
Next on the docket is their fourth annual Harbor Run 5K, scheduled for Saturday, May 3.
A lighthearted race that travels along a scenic route starting at Dartmouth High School and ending in Padanaram Village. It is open to all runners and walkers of all abilities.
At the start of the race, there is a unified lap where all the unified athletes come together to take a lap around Dartmouth High School gym, commemorating the purpose and unity of the race.
“You get goosebumps watching the unified athletes,” said Meagan Sebastio, Secretary of Theresa Street. “It’s really special to see the friendships they have formed through sports and to watch the athletes cheer each other on.”
You must be registered for see images
Sebastio also noted that she once coached unified sports, "I can't express how incredible the program is and how rewarding it is to raise funds for them."
The 5K ends in Padanaram Village, where there will be water, snacks, and music. Sail Loft in Padanaram will be hosting an outdoor celebration after the race for all those involved in the 5K.
Last year’s event included over 250 participants and raised over $12,000.
“It’s just such a wonderful event,” said DeMello. “It’s truly remarkable to see the joy it brings to everyone involved and to be able to provide support to these unified sports programs.”
Get your scoop: Ice cream shops are opening all across Greater New Bedford
How to sign up for the 5K
Depending on your age, you can sign up in one of four categories: 14 years old and under, 15 to 29 years old, 30 to 49 years old, or 50-plus years old.
Medals will be awarded to the top three men and women in each category, as well as the top three runners overall.
Registration can be done online at https://raceroster.com/events/2025/101884/theresa-streets-4th-annual-harbor-run or in person starting at 9 a.m. at Dartmouth High School, 555 Bakerville Road, Dartmouth.
It costs $30 to pre-register before the event, and $35 to register day of the event.
You can fundraise for the event by signing up as a team, individually, or by donating to the cause.
All the funds support the unified sports programs in Dartmouth and New Bedford.
Sebastio, who is also a photographer for the event, remarked on the memories she has captured behind the lens. "It is heartwarming to see the runners crossing the bridge, full of excitement as they near the finish line. The streets are lined with people cheering them on," she said.
You must be registered for see images
“You don’t have to be a runner; anyone is welcome to take part at their own pace,” said DeMello. "It’s a very welcoming atmosphere that is inclusive for everyone of every ability.”
What other events are happening this year?
June 21 and 22: 17th Annual Summer Classic, bringing it back to where it all began with a weekend of wiffle ball. The tournament will be hosted at Buzzards Bay Brewing, 98 Horseneck Road, Westport.
Aug. 23: Fifth Annual Golf Open, hosted at the Acushnet River Valley Golf Course, 685 Main St., Acushnet. It’s a day of “drinks, good spirits, and dubious scores.”
October (date and place TBD): Second Annual Kickball Tournament, bringing back the nostalgia of childhood fun.
Dec. 13 and 14: Inaugural Pickleball Open, a tournament for intermediate and advanced players. Hosted by Southcoast Pickleball, 4 David Drown Blvd., Fairhaven.
Keep an eye out for a glamorous gala that is also in the works for the beginning of 2026.
For more information about these events, visit https://www.theresastreet.org.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Annual Harbor Run 5K slated for May 3 raises funds for unified sports
Continue reading...
