The Ability Center Brings ASAP to the Lower Campus

For the first time ever, our Lower Campus welcomed The Ability Center for their Adaptive Scholastic Athletic Program, ASAP! Mr. Connolly brought TAC's team in to take over PE classes, introducing our K-5 students to the world of adaptive sports, putting them in wheelchairs and inviting them to play, compete, and experience inclusion in a way that goes far beyond a classroom lesson.

Leading the takeover was Jordan, a TAC staff member whose passion for adaptive sports is deeply personal. Jordan has cerebral palsy, and from a young age he had a deep desire to compete. But the resources simply were not there. Growing up, the opportunities for children with disabilities to participate in organized sport were limited, and Jordan experienced that gap firsthand. Rather than accept it, he made it his life's work to change it. Today, through his work with The Ability Center, he is doing exactly that, ensuring that the next generation of kids with disabilities does not face the same barriers he did.

Jordan brought that story into our gym, and our students listened. He also introduced a concept that stopped them in their tracks. The chairs, he explained, are just like a pair of shoes. We wear different shoes for different activities, and the chairs are everyone's shoes for adaptive sports. No one is singled out. No one sits on the sideline. Everybody plays. Fifth grader Ronan summed it up perfectly:

"This was so much fun, and something I've never done before. I like this pair of shoes!"

Any sport can become adaptive, that is the heart of what TAC believes. When a sport is adapted, it opens the door for every athlete to compete regardless of ability. Jordan's vision is for The Ability Center to grow into a leader in educating our community on disability awareness, adaptive recreation, and inclusive sports opportunities, and for ASAP to expand into a city-wide league where athletes with disabilities compete alongside their able-bodied peers.

This program was a natural fit for our community. Mrs. LaLonde had the privilege of working alongside The Ability Center for many years before coming to SJCA, and knew from experience what this program could offer our students.

"TAC's message is so aligned with the messages of the Gospel. I knew it would be a perfect fit here at the Lower Campus."

We are so grateful to Jordan and The Ability Center for bringing this experience to our students for the first time, and we are already looking forward to welcoming them back next year.

Interested in learning more or getting your family involved in TAC's mission? Connect with them here: tacwi.org, Facebook.com/theabilitycenter, @theabilitycenter on Instagram!