I’m a Recreation Therapist. And as a Rec Therapist, my purpose is to help people with disabilities, both physical and developmental improve their overall quality of life. I do this through sports and fitness, my passions. Whether I am teaching a paraplegic how to handcycle or a young girl with a developmental disability how to throw a softball, I see the importance of recreation in everyone’s life. I have been passionate about this purpose since I was 10 years old. When I was 10 years old, my sister was born with Downs Syndrome.
Now, back then, there weren’t numerous support groups that are around today. So my mom did the only thing she knew how to do and that was to raise a little girl. So, if my sister wanted to play basketball, she played basketball. If she wanted to take ballet, she did it. So, I grew up with the realization that everyone has the right to experience sports and fitness, anyway they can. It might look different from you and I, but the sense of accomplishment, self worth, and confidence is the same.
I work for National Sports Center for the Disabled. It is a fabulous non profit organization that offers a wide variety of outdoor programming to people with disabilities. We do kayaking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, rock climbing, and other crazy sports. (We even have a few athletes competing in the Paralmpics this year).
So. Much. Fun!!!
So, here is where I could use your help, Sept 14-16th, me and The National Sports Center for the Disabled will be hosting a 5K/10K Your Way “Virtual” Run and we would love for you to participate! It is FREE to register. What I am asking of everyone is to run for someone with a disability over that weekend. Or even better, ask them to run/walk/roll with you. Don’t know anyone with a disability? That’s fine, just run because you can.
Race Details
What: Run, walk, or roll a 5K (3.1 miles) or 10K (6.2 miles)
When: Friday September 14- Sunday September 16th, anytime you choose
Where: anywhere you choose: your favorite running route, a new trail, on vacation, or jump on a treadmill. Go with a friend, a group of friends, your dog or your whole family.
Why: For fun, fitness, and to help raise awareness, and of course prizes!!! We are still getting more and more prizes each day, but as of now we have Aline Custom Insoles, Dry Fit socks, bike jerseys, Yoga Mats, a bike speaker, GU, and more!
How: Click HERE for more detailed information. This will take you to the Fans on the Field website and it will have the form for you to fill out to register.
I am really excited about this opportunity. I hope you are too! Feel free to tell anyone and everyone about it! Let’s go run ourselves a 5K or 10K, friends!
Who’s in???
Related articles
- Giving all Children a Fair Go (unicef.org.au)
- Parents of children and adults with special needs seek to set up support hotline (mercurynews.com)
- treat me as you want to be treated part 1 (aseiwn.com)
Amazing–I’m doing it!
Thanks Erin! I really appreciate you passing it on to all your running peeps! That was awesome. And with an introduction like the one you gave me, how could anyone pass it up!!!
Yes, I’m in!
I’ll share tweet about this and share it on my blog this week, too!
Thanks. Every bit helps!!