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The Spokane Shriners Hospital sponsored the
Fourth Annual Junior Sports Day for children
with physical disabilities. The event was
held in conjunction with disAbility Fest, a
community event of workshops, exhibits,
activities and entertainment that highlights
the resources available to the disabled
community at a local community college.
The junior sporting events included archery,
rock climbing, wheelchair basketball and
rugby, adaptive cycling, adaptive golf,
wheelchair tennis and wheelchair racing.
Participants tried each activity and were
awarded an Olympic-style medal for their
achievements.
Parents and siblings were also included and
encouraged to be active participants with
their child, making this a family event. The
goal of the event was to introduce disabled
children to sports activities in which they
can participate on a regular basis.
Experiencing success in physical activities
directly impacts self-esteem and promotes
physical fitness in disabled children.
The Parade of Champions was the grand finale
of the event. Each participant rolled
between two rows of parents, volunteers,
coaches, etc., getting a "high five" from
everyone for a job well done, with "We are
the Champions" playing in the background.
These kids were definitely champions this
day!
Many volunteers were essential to the
success of the event. A special thanks goes
to the Moonshriners. These Shriners, along
with their Ladies, helped with set-up and
registration, and sponsored the Climbing
Wall, a favorite activity of the kids. A
representative from the US Golf
Association-Adaptive Services brought
equipment and demonstrated adaptive golf
techniques. The US Tennis Association also
had a representative there to assist with
adaptive techniques for tennis.
The hospital is also grateful to the many
Shriners Hospital staff who made this event
the huge success it was. Recreational
Therapist Carol Kaczka coordinated the event
with several other recreation staff
assisting, including Kathy Carson, Andy Sims
and Tomie Zuchetto.
The Rehabilitation staff who brought their
expertise to this great event included
Shelly Mader (with her husband Kris and
children Brynn and Ross), Rob Mildes, Karen
Blakely, and PT student Katie Aiello (with
husband Ryan). Kory Barr from the Motion
Analysis Lab, Renee Wolbert from Human
Resources, and Debbie Morales from
Nutritional Services also volunteered their
time. Karon Snider and Patty Sprute from
Patient Care Services were a huge help with
all the clerical pieces of holding an event
of this magnitude.
This year, 20 participants, 60 family
members and 35 volunteers all contributed to
the success of Junior Sports Day. Each year
we hope this event grows and expands with
new activities, more participants, and most
of all, increased opportunities for
recreational independence for the patients
of Shriners Hospitals. |
