Adaptive Sports Growing in New York

Christine Pitawanich / NCC News

2/17/2010

Syracuse, NY - Each year as more people become disabled, adaptive sports programs across the country grow as well. New York ranks high on the list of states with the most adaptive sports programs which give people with disabilities an opportunity to stay active.

Adaptive Sports in the State

In New York, almost 1.5 million people have either a physical or intellectual disability, according to a 2006 Census survey. Laurie Kennedy, New York’s Special OlympicsRegional Director, is seeing more competitors in the Winter Games this year, and in general, more adaptive sports.

“ New York is pretty ahead of the curve in adaptive sports. Because there’s a lot of organizations that are […] having lots of opportunities like more than one season, more than one sport,” said Kennedy.

Going for the Gold

Kayla McKeon plays more than eight sports. But McKeon isn’t just any athlete, she’s a Special Olympian.

“The more excited you are, the more pumped you are to get out there and work hard and for the gold,” said McKeon.

And to get the gold, she focused on being a good goalie for her floor hockey team, which included practicing her smack talking skills.

“[I usually say] hey buddy boy want a piece of me? Come over here and let me have it,” said McKeon.

At last week’s New York Special Olympics held in Syracuse, 400 athletes with intellectual disabilities came together to compete in the Winter Games.

“When I was in high school I really couldn’t keep up physically, but in Special Olympics, I know I can,” said McKeon.

Special Olympics isn’t the only organization that’s seen an increase in athletes. Other adaptive sports programs in the area have seen growth as well.

A Chance to Ski Again

At Toggenburg Mountain, the Arise and Ski program teaches 80 people how to ski, has doubled the number of sessions and is inclusive of all disabilities. Gregg Kuersteiner was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy in his mid-30’s and through the program, has learned to use a bi-ski on the mountain.

“If it wasn’t for the program I wouldn’t be skiing at all,” said Kuersteiner.

Eric Kuersteiner, Gregg’s brother and volunteer instructor with the Arise and Ski program, skis with his brother and sees the benefits of the program.

“Gregg’s normal way of being is struggling hard to do basic things,” said Kuersteiner. “This allows him so much freedom that he almost has no place else in his life.”

Win or Lose, There’s Still Pride

For those who participate in adaptive sports, freedom, fun, and support is what it’s all about. And back at the Special Olympics, winning or losing doesn’t really matter so much to McKeon.

“No matter what we do, we always make our family and friends proud of who we really are,” she said.

And pride was in the air when, for the first time, McKeon and her floor hockey team claimed the gold medal for their division.