Samuel Raccosta, 6, enjoys himself while learning to
play tennis at the Sports Spectacular for Children in
Philadelphia.
By Jennifer M. Rodriguez
Everyone Had a Ball at the 2nd Annual Sports Spectacular
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.
“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 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.
Jennifer M. Rodriguez is Public Affairs officer.
