Wheelchair Sports Federation NY Sled Rangers
This project's parent organization is Wheelchair Sports Federation (WSF)
It operates in United States
It uses Hockey and Adapted sports
Entered the Sport For Social Inclusion Award
More about Wheelchair Sports Federation NY Sled Rangers
There are countless opportunities for able-bodied kids to experience the benefits of sport; there are very few for physically disabled kids. We are increasing independence, self-confidence, and self-esteem by providing the only experience for physically disabled youth to play in a competitive environment in New York City.
When our players wheel into their classroom and tell their able-bodied friends they are hockey players, it changes the way their peers look at them and treat them which, in turn, changes the way that the kids think about themselves. Most have never been part of a group like this. On the night of our first practice, one kid turned to his mother and said, "Mom, I'm FINALLY on a team!". And we are not just changing kids lives, but of entire families.
Parents are just as amazed that their kids can play sports when they never thought they could. Its been a humbling and rewarding experience to see entire families changed through the healing power of sport.