New Balance Foundation Adaptive Sports Program at Franciscan Children’s
About Our Program
We believe every child deserves the opportunity to participate in sports. The New Balance Adaptive Sports program transforms the lives of children with physical and cognitive disabilities. Through our inclusive and personalized approach, we offer a range of adaptive sports and active recreation activities, fostering fun and growth in a secure environment tailored to individual ability levels.
About the Director
Paul Ward, Director, Adaptive Sports Program
Paul received his Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Sports and Tourism and his Master of Science in Sports Management from the University of Illinois. Additionally, he has a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Suffolk University and has completed the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program from UMASS Chan Medical School. Most recently he was Coordinator of Adaptive Programming at NYC Parks. In his free time, Paul enjoys playing wheelchair basketball, kayaking, and exploring Boston.
Contact Information:
Email: PaWard@franciscanchildrens.org
Phone: (617) 779-5475
Sports Offered
- Adaptive Basketball
- Adaptive Bike Riding
- Adaptive Cheer
- Adaptive Dance
- Adaptive Fitness
- Adaptive Gymnastics
- Adaptive Tennis
- Adaptive Track
- Adaptive Skating
- Adaptive Soccer
- Adaptive Summer Camp (1st and 2nd week of August)
- Tumbling Tots
- Wheelchair Basketball
- Wheelchair Tennis
- Wheelchair Track
Program Goals
The purpose of our Adaptive Sports Programs are:
- To provide children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in sports and active recreation in a fun, safe environment
- To provide training to students and rehabilitation professionals on implementing and developing active recreation and sports activities for children with special needs
- To provide activities at little to no cost
Specific objectives of the programs are to provide an opportunity for children with disabilities:
- To learn sport-specific skills
- To socialize and engage in active play with other children their age
- To get moderate to vigorous physical activity and to maintain and improve their health and physical fitness
Registration
To stay up to date on our program offerings and to register your child, sign up for our email updates by filling out this form.
Interested in Volunteering?
Please complete our volunteer sign-up form. You must be 17 years of age or older to volunteer.
For details about this program, or to register for Adaptive Sports Camps, please contact Paul Ward at PaWard@franciscanchildrens.org.
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