NIAGARA network
Providing sources of useful information and expertise to educate our community and connect people in need to available resources .
Disabilities and Sports
Opportunities Abound in Millcreek
Athletes in Millcreek and the Erie area have so many opportunities to participate in a variety of sports in and around our region . People with and without disabilities can try a sport to see if it ’ s a good fit for them . There are so many different types of sports to try that it might be hard to choose just one . Here are some ideas on how to get connected to these great programs .
AN ATHLETE ’ S STORY
By Mike Fiorelli
Imagine , if you will , a situation where one day you are a 20-year-old college athlete and the next day you are a quadriplegic who will use a wheelchair for the rest of your life after being injured in a life altering accident . For me , this is a true story . This , however , did not stop me from staying involved in sports .
There are several competitive opportunities to play sports as a person with a disability , but I chose a different path at first , becoming a coach . After spending 16 years coaching soccer at both the club level and Varsity High School level , I followed that up by volunteering to coach basketball for 8 years . This allowed me to stay involved in the two sports I spent the most time playing in my childhood and allowed me to pass on my knowledge of these sports to the next generation . As I got a little bit older , my desire to compete grew stronger and I ended up joining a bocce league with my friends at the Nuova Aurora Club in Erie . Sure , it can be frustrating at times , but it ’ s also fun and it provides a great outlet for my desire to be competitive .
Please don ’ t let a disability stop you from getting involved . There are so many adaptive sports opportunities out there in the community that you can get involved in such as snow skiing , archery , wheelchair basketball and quad rugby , to name a few , which are all very competitive . For individuals with intellectual disabilities , the Special Olympics offers a lot of sports opportunities to athletes in the region . For those looking for recreational sports , things like bocce , bowling , and table tennis are available in the community . Although they might start out as “ recreational ,” some of these things can turn into an opportunity as a Paralympian if you are someone who likes to dream big ! As you can see , Erie has a lot to offer for those people , both with and without a disability , who want to participate in athletics . If you are looking for something competitive , for something fun , for exercise , or to build new friendships , please consider getting involved . Whether you use Google or call the Erie Sports Center , Special Olympics Pennsylvania , or your local Center for Independent Living , there is no doubt that you will be able to find what you are looking for . We look forward to seeing you on the field , on the court , in the pool , or on the slopes !
BRINGING CHAMPIONS TOGETHER THROUGH SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Deanna Renaud , Special Olympics Pennsylvania , Northwest Region
Most people are familiar with Special Olympics , but many think it ’ s a track meet that happens once a year . Special Olympics actually comprises 22 Olympic-style sports and year-round programming for athletes with intellectual disabilities and cognitive delays from ages 2 to 80 .
Here in Northwest Pennsylvania , children and adults can choose from a variety of sports – such as Bocce , Equestrian , Golf , Swimming and many more – free of charge . Sports are divided into seasons , giving athletes the opportunity to be active and live healthier lifestyles the whole year .
Community sports programs provide athletes of all ability levels the chance to find their fit . Participants who need more assistance can take part in skills programs , while those looking to play recreationally can join teams of similar skill levels . Special Olympics also provides the opportunity to train and compete at advanced levels – athletes from Pennsylvania have gone on to medal in the USA and World Games !
Unified sports offer the chance for people with and without intellectual disabilities to play together as peers against other unified teams . Currently , plans are in the works to develop a Unified Community League this fall , while McDowell High School promotes unified opportunities for students .
McDowell is one of eight schools in Erie County designated as a “ Unified Champion School ” through Special Olympics Pennsylvania . McDowell has established Inclusive Youth Leadership to engage the entire student body in activities that spread inclusion and support for all students . The school has also created a unified track and field team , where students with and without intellectual disabilities play
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