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player ready...When the Kiwanis Club of Frankfort hosted its 37th annual Kiwanis Games last month at Lincoln-Way Special Recreation in New Lenox, Aurelio “Doc Paul” Balducci made sure he was there.
After all, Doc Paul, 83, was the one who started the games back in 1984.
“This was my crazy idea,” Balducci said with a laugh.
Balducci said his employer at the Standard Oil station on U.S. 30 had children with special needs, which gave him the idea for the Kiwanis Games. It was a way to “give the parents a break and give the kids something to do to enlighten their life,” he said.
“For parents of special needs kids, it’s a 365 day job,” he said.
The “kids” competing at the Feb. 12 games ranged in age from 12 to their 60s, and the number of participants has quadrupled since the event’s early days.
Balducci still volunteers several hours a month for the Kiwanis, just to make sure the Kiwanis Games continue.
“This day makes my year,” he said. “I know how special these kids are. They might have a disability, but they’re kids. They’re still normal. As far as they’re concerned their life is normal, our life is crazy.
“Every one of these kids can’t wait for these Kiwanis Games. … I want to find more kids to participate and look forward to it.”
Besides giving participants a fun, competitive event, the Kiwanis Games also helps Balducci spread his message of acceptance. Rather than gawking and becoming uncomfortable, “accept them as being children,” he said. “It will make your life better, and it will make their life better.”
Balducci is the last survivor of the group who founded the Frankfort Kiwanis on Nov. 4, 1976. Samuel A. Giordano Jr., lieutenant governor of Kiwanis Division 23, said his impact on Frankfort Kiwanis has been constant and important.
“Doc Paul is a true giver,” Giordano said. “Whether it’s his time or money, he gives without hesitation. If not for Doc Paul, we would not be here today with the Kiwanis Club of Frankfort.”
Giordano has known Balducci since the 1970s, when he operated a gas station and an auto repair garage in Calumet Park. Balducci has taught him lessons in life Giordano still uses.
“Doc Paul has taught me a lot about humanity and giving back to others less fortunate,” Giordano said. “Also his service to community, being there when others were not. He is a true Kiwanian and he cannot ever be replaced.”
The Frankfort Kiwanis have fundraisers throughout the year to support the games and other events that contribute to their mission to help others in the community.
“This is why we stand on the corner selling peanuts and have pancake breakfasts,” Balducci said. “We’re cut in four pieces, youth, special needs, seniors and community. We try and do as much as we can in the community helping out when we can.”
Doc Balducci already is looking forward to the next Kiwanis Games in 2023.
“My dream would have 75 participants for next year,” he said. “If I got those, I know I’ve reached my goal.”
And he’s doing his best to make sure the Kiwanis Games keep going.
“As far as I’m concerned, this will continue as long as I’m here,” Balducci said. “When I take that trip to see the Lord, my hope is that someone else will pick this up for the kids. It’s very important to me but most of all to them.”
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Mary Compton is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.