A team of 11 Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA) participants, led by staff members and accompanied by family and friends, won first place in the Flag Football TD5 Division State Championship in Peoria Sunday, Nov. 7. The team was thrilled to win and receive a State championship trophy.
For the young adult team members, this was a joyful return to tournaments after most games were canceled last year due to COVID-19. “Being on the team is certainly about practicing the physical skills,” said Brian Houzenga, CTRS, Support Staff Manager for FVSRA, “but what’s more is the connections they make. One participant practices his receiving skills with his brother. Two team members have become best friends. And at State, they see the same people year after year and develop a sense of camaraderie, even across teams.”
“Recreation is important for everybody, but for individuals who might have felt left out in PE or at recess, playing in special recreation or adaptive sports, such as wheelchair sports, gives them a purpose. It helps with everyone’s mental health. Being part of a team is important. Winning and losing as part of a team is very important.” said Brian Houzenga, CTRS, FVSRA Support Staff Manager
FVRSA is a partner with Lincolnway Special Recreation Association to offer a Wheelchair Basketball Clinic. Wednesday, Nov. 10, individuals arrived from Naperville, Wheaton, Sugar Grove and Plainfield to learn how fun it is to play basketball.
One participant who has cerebral palsy was very timid and stayed in the hallway with his brother for most of the clinic. Every few minutes the coaches made sure to welcome him onto the court. By the end, he was comfortable enough to try – and was very happy he did! Trying something new, being active and feeling part of a team is what it is all about.
The next clinic will be Wednesday, Dec. 8 and we invite everyone to attend! We will be host to another basketball clinic from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8 at Hope D Wall Elementary, 449 W. New Indian Trail Court, Aurora.
The clinic is free and open to anyone with a physical disability, ages three to 22. Siblings and friends are welcome! To register please go to www.fvsra.org.
— Fox Valley Special Recreation Association