New Balance Foundation Adaptive Sports Program at Franciscan Children’s
About Our Program
The New Balance Foundation Adaptive Sports Program at Franciscan Children’s provides children and adolescents ages 2-21 with intellectual, emotional and/or physical disabilities the opportunity to participate in sports and active recreation activities in a fun and safe environment. Our program promotes learning and development of skills, social opportunities and improvement to overall health and fitness through moderate to vigorous physical activity. Our programs are open to children and adolescents living with a disability in the Greater Boston Area. Programs are offered at little to no cost to participants and their families.
This is made possible through our generous donors, who firmly believe in providing children and adolescents, regardless of ability, opportunities to be active.
About the Director
Paul Ward, Director of Adaptive Sports
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
- Adaptive Swim Lessons – Oak Square YMCA
- Adaptive Hiking and Kayaking – Waypoint Adventure
- Adaptive Windsurfing, Canoeing, and Paddleboarding – AccesSportAmerica
- Adaptive Sailing – Impossible Dream
- Adaptive Skiing – New England Disabled Sports and New England Healing Sports Association
Preregistration is required for all programs
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
Program Resources
Adaptive Sport Equipment Grants: Adaptive sports equipment can be costly and typically isn’t covered by insurance. With that in mind, below are several individual grants that could assist you with funds.
- Challenged Athletes Foundation
- Kelly Brush Foundation
Stay Up to Date
Keep up to date with all things adaptive sports by filling out this form to join our email distribution list.
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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