Philadelphia, PA—United Spinal Association and Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia hosted the 2nd Annual Sports Spectacular, a day loaded with activities for dozen of children with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), at the Wachovia Center. The event, which was held on Saturday, August 5th, gave each child the opportunity to participate in clinics conducted by premier wheelchair athletes and featured hand cycling, wheelchair tennis, basketball, and softball.
 6-year-old Samuel Raccosta enjoys a game of Wheelchair Tennis at this years 2nd Annual Sports Spectacular |
“Events like this make his world seem bigger,” said Jim Raccosta, who brought his 6-year-old son, Samuel who has a spinal cord disorder, to the event. “Sammy isn’t shy and when I learned about this event through Shriners Hospital I knew we couldn’t miss it.”
“It is important to bring adaptive sports clinics to as many children with spinal cord injuries and disorders as possible,” said Paul Tobin, United Spinal’s Executive Director. “Thanks to the support of Comcast Spectacor, Shriners Hospital and other generous supporters, United Spinal Association was able to bring this Sports Spectacular to Philadelphia and empower the children who participated in the event with the confidence that they, too, can benefit from the friendship, fun, and encouragement that comes along with playing sports.”
The Wachovia Center is the home of the professional basketball team, the Phildelphia 76ers and two hockey teams—the Philadelphia Flyers and the Philadelphia Phantoms. Surprise appearances were made by the team mascots and alumni from the Comcast—Spectacor Family of Companies.
About Adaptive Sports
In general, the term “adaptive sports” implies that the rules or the equipment of a specific sport are modified, or adapted, to accommodate the needs of a person with disabilities, predominately wheelchair users. Through adaptive sports, individuals with mobility impairments can reap the same benefits of athletic competition that the able-bodied enjoy. Researchers have proven that participation in sports has distinct physical, psychological, and social advantages for people with disabilities.
About United Spinal Association
United Spinal Association is a national nonprofit disability rights organization. The Association sponsors a wide variety of wheelchair recreational and adaptive sports programs, guided by the belief that the benefits of participating in sports are no different for athletes with disabilities than for able-bodied athletes. Membership is free and open to all individuals with disabilities of the spinal cord. For more information call 800-404-2898.
About Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia
Shriners Hospital is a 59-bed pediatric orthopaedic hospital providing a complete range of specialized medical and rehabilitation services at no charge to children with orthopaedic problems or spinal cord injuries. The hospital is one of 22 Shriners Hospitals throughout North America. In addition to treating children with routine and complex orthopaedic problems, the Philadelphia Hospital provides a comprehensive and individualized rehabilitation program for children and adolescents who have received a traumatic injury to their spinal.
