Local camp fosters inclusion with adaptive sports for children with disabilities

CHATHAM, Ill. (WICS) — From baseball to soccer, sports are popular for kids, but being part of a team can be difficult for some, and that’s why a local camp is making sure no one is left out.

In an elementary school gym, dozens of children like 7-year-old Blake are all smiles as they wiggle, run, and play hopscotch.

"She loves it," says Amy Suter, parent to Blake. "She loves people so she gets really excited anytime she gets out to meet people, especially little kids."

It’s all part of Camp Flash, an adaptive sports camp for children with disabilities.

"Everybody here has autism, down syndrome, or some sort of delay in their life that keeps them from participating in regular sports," says Lanie Kepler, co-founder of The Kase Project.

With a team of volunteers, these kids are getting hands-on experience with not just sports, but social skills. It’s also a chance for parents to interact.

"The parent connection is also great," says Kepler. "Sometimes you feel as a special needs parent that you're all alone, but when you're in a room of 30 other parents that have kids just like yours, it makes it a little easier."

"It's nice just to be with people that understand what you go through on a daily basis," says Suter.

For more information on the program, or to volunteer, contact "The Kase Project".

Originally published by WICS

https://newschannel20.com/news/local/local-camp-fosters-inclusion-with-adaptive-sports-for-children-with-disabilities