There are recreational activities and sports many of us might take for granted: softball, soccer, swimming, canoing, hiking, skiing, shooting, basketball, rock climbing, etc...
We simply go out and kick around the soccer ball. We stand up to the plate, and swing the bat. We walk, casually, out onto a basketball court and throw up the basketball without much effort at all.
We steadily enter a floating canoe and paddle down the river. We can strap on two skiis and navigate our way down a sloap.
But for people with disabilities, doing what seems so simple for many of us, can seem impossible. Only a dream. Only something other people get to do.
It's not fair.
Those things are not impossible, though, because there are hundreds of volunteers making sure recreational activities and sports are adapted so ANYONE can do them. These things are not impossible, because of the National Sports Center for the Disabled.
This organization, which is fairly new to the Kansas City area, provides free sport clinics: baseball, soccer, football and golf. They welcome anyone with any kind of disability wanting to give pretty much anything a shot.
Skiing.
Canoeing. Horseback riding.
You name it, they say they can help you do it.
If you or someone you know has a disability, this organization is worth checking out.
If you are healthy, and can play any sport you choose, this organization is worth checking out.
They'll take volunteers and athletes any day of the week.
For more information cantact Geoff Lanham at 816-513-7571. Or email him at glanham@nscd.org.