Expansion on the horizon for Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio
"One of the exciting things for us is that we've only been around for two years, and we started applying for grants over the summer. The first two I put in got denied, but I just kept at it because I believe in what we're doing. Giving the kids opportunities to be active and play sports like their able-bodied peers is very important," said Lisa Followay, executive director of ASPO.
Her hard work paid off, however, because they are now offering three additional sports. She received $8,257 from the Laura B. Frick Charitable Trust for sled hockey, $2,000 from the Holmes-Wayne Electric Foundation, Inc for a power wheelchair soccer team, and $1,550 from the Wayne County Community Foundation for an adaptive archery program.
"On top of that, I just received word in December that we got five sleds from the USA Hockey organization…We're looking for more bodies to fill some sleds," Followay said. "We just got approval from the U.S. Olympic committee to be a Paralympic club, so now we're recognized as Paralympic Club Northeast Ohio. And that gives us access to many different things, especially channeling some of our elite athletes on to playing for Team USA, which is really exciting."
Moreover, they currently have seven athletes for sled hockey, three for power soccer, and haven't solidified their athletes for the archery program, but can serve up to 10 with their current funding. Followay added that they are in search of volunteers who can help work with the athletes.
"For sports like sled hockey and power soccer, you don't have to know much about a disability to coach the sport; just knowledge of the sport is beneficial to us."
So in a whirlwind of exciting developments, Followay has found herself busier than ever. Writing grants, ordering equipment, measuring athletes, and preparing for what the future holds are just some of her obligations.
"For the future for us, I'd like to offer opportunities for every sport there is, and there are so many. For us, the biggest thing is overcoming the awareness barrier, basically. Just letting them know for every sport there is there's an adaptive version, and we're trying very hard to offer as many of those as we can. Then the barrier becomes getting them to the practices, because a lot of people have transportation issues. So once we get them committed, we need to make sure they have a way to get there."
Additionally, they would like to set up scrimmages with other teams in Ohio and recruit more athletes. Followay spoke of the Wounded Warriors program, which is designed for soldiers returning home with injuries, and how she would like to see those same soldiers on her teams when they get back.
"You don't know when you walk out that door if your life is going to turn upside down, but what we want to try to do is offer a bit of hope, and we offer that through our sports. But we also want to build a relationship with these people," Followay said. "Your life's not over just because you have a disability, and we want to offer you those opportunities that able-bodied people have."
Armed with statistics about the importance of providing those with disabilities the same athletic opportunities, Followay will continue forward with her mission. Those interested in the full range of sports offered, or interested in volunteer opportunities, can contact her by phone at 330-317-5259, or by e-mail at adaptivesports@rocketmail.com.