The community is witnessing history unfold as the Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio (ASPO) continues to inspire children, adults and families with their athletics.
Lisa Followay, ASPOs executive director, would probably argue that its the other way around, but her endeavors to improve the opportunities for people with physical disabilities have created a ripple effect.
The world has been changed by this nonprofit organization. With each game and tournament, society moves closer to a place of inclusion and equal opportunity. Without ASPO, the individuals impacted by the program would be without the chance to partake in a sport, a concept most take for granted.
To further their cause, the second annual Sled Hockey Charity Game was held on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Alice Noble Ice Arena in Wooster. The Wildcats, which is the ASPO team, played the Wooster Oilers in a fiercely competitive match.
The Wildcats absolutely enjoyed the game. They love showcasing their skill and beating able-bodied players at their beloved sport of hockey, said Followay.
The sleds allowed all of the players to participate without distinction between able-bodied and disabled.
Our sled hockey team is one of only four in the state. The others are located in Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati. A program like this based in a small town like Wooster is a rarity. Its because of community support that we exist and will continue to exist, said Followay.
The Wildcats won the game 8-2. One didnt have to be watching the game to gather this, either. The crowd roared with each goal and pounded on the glass in anticipation as the players spun across the ice. Sport-themed music filled the icy air of the arena.
I love seeing the stands filled with spectators supporting our team and ASPOs efforts. The best part, however, was seeing 50 to 60 of those spectators getting in sleds after the game and giving it a try. We had a long line of people who wanted to try the sleds. It was awesome seeing the community engaged in our sport, said Followay.
She added that they sold 278 tickets, a slight reduction from last years turnout. A group of students from The College of Wooster raised $358 to support their cause.
ASPO is a cause worth supporting, too, as the sleds cost $550 and the sticks cost $100. Followay noted that the families are responsible for hefty medical bills as well, making equipment costs difficult to absorb.
The audience feedback was great, many commenting on how athletic our players were, how much faster they were than the Oilers in sleds and many of them loved that the Oilers didnt stand a chance at beating the Wildcats, Followay added. The players enjoyed being part of the event and I heard many of them comment how sore their arms were after the game. They learned to appreciate how hard our athletes have to work to play hockey.
Four coaches from The College of Wooster showed up to witness the effort as well. After watching the power wheelchair soccer tournament two weeks prior, they were intrigued, inspired and eager to offer support.
All you see out there is athletes, said Graham Ford, head mens soccer coach. Were in awe of these athletes but also in awe of Adaptive Sports (Program) of Ohio.
Carl Festa, head mens lacrosse coach, explained that they are in the process of developing a committee to offer their assistance to ASPO through their own resources and networking. Lori Schimmel, head softball coach, added that they are excited to introduce ASPO to their students and give back to the community.
Were definitely looking forward to helping out, said Amy Behrman, assistant tennis coach.
Followays refusal to allow her son, who has spina bifida, to be overlooked and underestimated has narrated a new story in the communitys perception of adaptive athleticsa story that will likely have no ending, offering a profound testament to the communitys compassion.
