A GREAT JMU idea: Adapted Sports Day

Overcoming Barriers is putting on their first JMU Adapted Sports day next week.  They have been reaching out to families all over the state and surrounding area, basically anyone who is willing to get here, and promote the idea that a physical disability shouldn’t stand in the way of achieving all that you are capable of, whether that means attending college or participating in sports.  The approach is Empowerment Through Sports and this new event has a soccer focus where they will feature multiple forms of soccer.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Richelle Villa our Volunteer Coordinator for the event through our Overcoming Barriers email account, overcomingbarriers@jmu.edu . Families or potential participants (middle school/high school students or anyone college-eligible) can contact the awesome Katie Chapman at chapm2ka@dukes.jmu.edu .

The full breakdown from their much more informative Facebook page is below.  Best of luck to the group on this fantastic project!

WHO: Middle and high school students with physical disabilities. Students may be ambulatory and use walking aids (parasoccer), or students may use manual wheelchairs (KINBALL soccer) or power chairs (power soccer).

WHAT: Adapted soccer skills day camp and introduction to James Madison University

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, at JMU

CONNECT:
@JMUAdaptedSport
facebook.com/adapted.sport

REGISTRATION: Katie Chapman: chapm2ka@jmu.edu or 540-568-4877

Friday, Sept. 27
5:30 p.m. Meet and Greet at Memorial Park and Pizza
6 p.m. Bus tour of campus
7 p.m. JMU men’s soccer match at University Park

Saturday, Sept. 28
9:30 a.m. Arrival and check-in at UREC outdoor fields
10 a.m. Soccer skills and drills
10:45 a.m. Adapted soccer education
11 a.m. Soccer skills and drills
12:15 p.m. Lunch at JMU’s East Campus Dining Hall
1:45 p.m. Soccer games
3:30 p.m. Optional items
– Campus Tours
– 1:1 time with Mentors and Professors talking college life
– 1:1 time with Disability Services staff and students

Adapted Sports Day is a free event designed to expose middle school and high school students with physical disabilities to a college campus, using sport as a tool for empowerment. Youth with physical disabilities who may be ambulatory, use a manual wheelchair, or use a power chair will experience an introduction to adapted soccer through interaction with JMU students who will serve as mentors. The goal of Adapted Sports Day is to empower youth with physical disabilities that new challenges—such as playing a sport or even college attendance—are possible to overcome.

When is it?
The inaugural Adapted Sports Day @JMU will be held Saturday, September 28 on the James Madison University campus in Harrisonburg, VA. There will also be an optional meet-and-greet and JMU soccer game on Friday, September 27.

How much does it cost?
Adapted Sports Day is free for participants (transportation to campus and lodging not included).

Who can participate?
All Virginia middle school and high school students with physical disabilities are invited to participate. Students may be ambulatory and use walking aides, or students may use a manual wheelchair or power chair.

What should each student bring?
Each student should bring the medical release form completed and signed by a parent or guardian. All equipment will be provided.

Why should I encourage my student to attend?
Adapted Sports Day uses sport to empower students with physical disabilities and show them what is possible. More specifically, Adapted Sports Day aims to show students that college is a realistic possibility.

How can I register my student?
E-mail Katie Chapman at chapm2ka@jmu.edu or call 540-568-4877. Provide the student’s name and age as well as the following information: address, phone, e-mail, disability (optional), chair user?