Skills-n-Drills Bootcamp
Adaptive Sports program is BACK
(5-11 years old)
Acknowledged by the prestigious Greentree Foundation with a full grant for funding, the SCA’s first adaptive sports program is back for a second year! For children with special needs, this class is headed by special education PT Coach Chris from Power Pals to teach the basic skills and rules needed to play group sports. “Big buddies” help children separate and give the extra adult support.
Adaptive Sports Saturday Series Class a Success
Skills-n-Drills Bootcamp Ready to Start Last Session
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Playing and learning sports skills in this fall’s Saturday Series
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(click to view larger picture)
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(click to view larger picture)
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Special Needs Classes in Saturday Series
Finishing its third season, the SCA Saturday Series adaptive sports class was an overwhelming success this fall. The Skills-n-Drills Bootcamp that was funded by a generous grant from the prestigious Greentree Good Neighbor Fund had children, teen helpers and coaches giving high-fives all round for a great season for kids and parents alike.
The program is back for one last season in the winter 2010 SCA Saturday Series as Coach Chris Speziali from PowerPals and his team of ‘big buddy’ trainers work with special needs children to teach the basics skills needed to play sports. The program will have the same format as the fall 09, with children working with their ‘big buddy’ at six different skill stations, then coming together for a group sport at the end of the class.
“The winter Saturday Series is the last chance for children to try this wonderful adaptive sports program before we switch to a different adaptive physical activity program for the fall 2010,” Manhasset SEPTA Co-President Lori Mann stated. “Sign up now to see what all the parents are raving about as their special needs children learn the basics for playing soccer, basketball, kickball and baseball in a supportive, adaptive setting,” she added.
The Skills-n-Drills Bootcamp is funded this year by a $7,500 grant from the Greentree Good Neighbor Fund after a successful first year pilot run in the fall 2008 and winter 2009 Saturday Series sessions.
“Manhasset SEPTA is so grateful to the Greentree Foundation for selecting the program as a grant recipient,” Manhasset SEPTA Co-President Ann Marie Moscitta said. “They have allowed SEPTA to help so many children, and impacted dozens of others who benefit from the program including the parents, and teen volunteers who learn to work with special needs children. Most importantly, the community outreach of promoting awareness and sensitivity about our special needs population as they are now included in the local Saturday enrichment program is invaluable,” she added.
The adaptive sports program was created in response to the community’s outcry for a local program that served their special needs children. By offering an adaptive sports program in the SCA’s Saturday Series, families are able to have both their regularly developing children and special needs children enjoy an enrichment program with their peers and neighbors. Furthermore, it allows parents a chance to meet and network while all their children enjoyed the Saturday Series classes.
The Skills-n-Drills Bootcamp program was developed by special education physical therapist and trainer Chris Speziali, who runs PowerPals in Glen Cove, NY. With nearly fifteen years experience with special needs children, Coach Chris has created a fun, competitive-free atmosphere that breaks down the basic skills needed to participate in sports while supporting his students with a small group size and one-on-one ‘big buddies.’ The program includes strength training, dribbling, kicking, catching and throwing skills, a sensory regulation break/station, and a small group ‘sports game’ at the end of each class that helps bring together the different skills learned.
The program has been very well received by parents and children alike with all three seasons completely filled. Contact the SCA Saturday Series now to reserve a spot for the final season of the adaptive sports class in the winter 2010 session. Parents can also contact Manhasset SEPTA via email at ManhassetSEPTA@aol.com with interest in participating in the winter 2010 class.