The athletes gathered at VCU Siegel Center to participate in the 2013 Sportable Paralympic Experience on Saturday, March 17th. From children to adults, these wheelchair athletes participated in goal ball, power wheelchair soccer, tennis, strength & conditioning, and fencing.
Their determination and competitive spirit provided a fun-filled afternoon of exciting competition. Family, friends and VCU students gathered to cheer on their favorites, which for many, were all of the competitors.
The main goal of Sportable is to free athletes to see beyond their disabilities. They feel strongly that sports are just the catalyst needed for individuals with physical disabilities to create their support system that is needed to reduce social isolation.
Sportable’s mission is to create opportunities and transform lives through sport in the Richmond, Virginia area. Through the determination, stamina and never say never attitude of Executive Director, Kristen Lessig, Sportable has become a GOLD MEDAL winner in Richmond.
Guest Speakers
Former Lt. Governor John Hager shared his views on how competition can be fun and how valuable Sportable is to the athletic disability community. Hager has used a wheelchair since age 36, when he contracted polio from an oral vaccine that had been given to his 3-month-old son.
Stephanie Copeland, Ms. Wheelchair VA 2012, an avid athlete, shared her story of overcoming a spinal cord injury and winning the title of Ms. Wheelchair VA 2012-2013. Throughout her reign, Stephanie has presented 100 messages and attended close to 200 events. She will be pasting the “torch” to a new Ms. Wheelchair VA at the Woodrow Rehabilitation Center on April 6th. To arrange for Stephanie to speak at your event, contact her through her website at www.princessonwheels.com
Sportable Paralympic Experience provided a fun-filled afternoon of exciting competition. Each competitor rolled away with wonderful memories and added confidence in their athletic abilities.
For more information about Sportable:
Kristen Lessig, CTRS
Co- Founder and Executive Director
SPORTABLE
Paralympic Sport Club of Richmond
(804)677-1467
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