Connecticut sober home fields competitive athletic teams

At the Westport House transitional sober-living programs in Connecticut, recovery is playing out on the fields of athletic competition, with young men in the program participating in competitive flag football and basketball leagues. In its first season of league play, the Westport Warrior flag football team reached the semifinals of its league playoffs, representing a men's recovery residence that places a significant emphasis on fitness's impact on wellness and recovery.

One team member stated in a news release that “the sense of community and team building felt great. It was a real opportunity for all of us to bond as teammates in recovery.”

Westport House executive director Al Samaras said residents have reacted so enthusiastically to the opportunity to participate in team sports that the organization is looking to field teams in other sports such as softball, volleyball and bowling. 'When residents move on from Westport House, we want them to be not only clean and sober, but also physically and mentally fit,” he said.