Ashley Thomas Founder, E. D. Bridge II Sports

Community Programs: Do you believe in the power?

Bridge II Sports creates opportunities for children and adults with physical challenges to participate in team, individual and recreational activities.

How Do We Run Multiple Programs: Community Partners GiGe Goal Ball Jr. Thunder Raleigh Triangle Thunder Cary Boccia W/C Tennis Durham Carolina Dragons Paralympic Experience Fencing Golf Orange County Track and Field Archery Thank you to Parks and Recreation and our Communities! Wake Forest Sled Hockey Morrisville Para Kayak Sitting Volleyball NC State University W/C Dancing University of NC Duke University Hand Cycling

Motivation Reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way. The general desire or willingness of someone to do something.

courage compassion conviction

My Motivation

The Athlete: Parents Siblings Caregivers PT/OT

Athlete: Mixed Bag Low expectations with little hope Surgeries to “Fix” Don’t fit In Hope is lost to fear and rejection

Expectations Goals – Have a Voice Team Individual Sports Skill Academic Goals Individual Personal Skill Responsibilities Communicate if one is coming Request equipment need Managing equipment for practice Help load and unload

Family Members Respect the positions held Understand their limits Set expectations Identify their rolls Siblings welcome Begin training – fundraising required!

Caregivers, PT/OT Encourage interaction Communicate the need for their help to recruit new athletes Offer to do an awareness at school

Build Your Support Team Community Resources Volunteers Media

Community Resources Identify strengths within community resources Accessible spaces Parks and Rec. Churches/Community Centers Specialty Schools Funding Professional Teams Community Foundations Amateur Sports Associations

University/College Resources Student Volunteers/Interns Engineering Programs Journalism Programs Specialty Groups

Volunteer Training – How? Listening – Empowering the athlete to have a voice Physical support People First Language Person always comes first, not identified by limit Correct medical words: AKA, limb, sci, T-12, MC, CP Touching support – always ask first! Let athlete direct. Be aware of skin sensitivity Listen, Watch, Listen

Recruit – How? Relationships! We want to avoid: Who do you know? Community School Friends Family How often do you ask?

Set Goals Start on time Expect communication if not able to attend Uniform Competition Personal Goals Team Goal Skill Goal Personal Skill Goal Academic Goal

What we discovered: The Miracle of Sports that empowers change and acceptance in the lives of those with disabilities.

Questions? Bridge II Sports