BERLIN, Conn. (WFSB) – This week’s heat won’t stop some great athletes from reaching their full potential.
At the special care hospital Ivan Lendl Adaptive Sports Camp in Berlin, more than 25 children and teenagers with various disabilities from all over the world have the opportunity to play many sports with their peers.
For some adaptive sports are second nature, but for others it’s a community they only dreamed of.
“When I went to camp for the first time, it was the first time I had seen adaptive sports, so I fell in love with adaptive sports and got to know the community around it,” says Camp Counselor Aiden Fecteau. increase.
Nine years ago Aiden was a shy newbie at the Ivan Lendl Adaptive Sports Camp. He is a counselor who came back from winning the 3rd place in the Power Soccer National Tournament today.
“It feels like you’re actually playing the sport. It’s not like you’re sitting in a corner watching other people do it. On the court, there’s a lot of people who feel the same way. Domestic There are a lot of people with different disabilities from all over the world, and it’s nice to know that there are people out there,” said Aiden.
Tennis coach Karin Cove says this place is all about empowerment.
Karin Cove, a nationally recognized wheelchair tennis coach, said, “You’ll be amazed at all the progress we’ve made.
Adaptive sports is a completely different ball game with its own set of challenges.
“How do you get to camp? Do you have a parent to take you to camp? What does transportation look like? What’s the education like?” Karin said.
Overcoming obstacles is the name of the game.
Even in the heat wave, children are learning to adapt here, integrating water and shade breaks to break down barriers.
Aiden says he hopes to inspire campers to never give up and always believe that anything can be achieved.
“I’m a college student, so I could have talked to them about college so they could get into college, because I know if I can do it, they can too.” said Aiden.
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