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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Adaptive Sports program serves more than 450 participants annually through a variety of team and individual sports, as well as clinics, camps and exciting, single-day events that serve youth and adults.
One of the program’s most enthusiastic and active participants is a developing athlete with a huge personality — and a smile that’s even bigger.
Ione S. is only 9 years old, but she already has been involved in adaptive sports for a few years. She initially came to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for the Gait Camp program, a multi-week summer initiative that provides daily intensive mobility, strength, and endurance work for children.
Ione's results from Gait Camp were astonishing, so she continued physical therapy at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and was eventually introduced to the Adaptive Sports program. By participating, Ione not only has found an opportunity to play sports, but she also has found a community.
Recently, Ione had a special opportunity to attend a Chicago Blackhawks hockey game with her family, and she was selected to be the “Kid Captain” for the game. She sat on the Blackhawks bench during warmups and met some of the players before the game.
Enjoy the following Q&A with Ione and her parents, Greg and Jennifer, who share more about her participation in adaptive sports.
First up, Ione! What Adaptive Sports programs have you participated in?
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I have done many programs. I've done adaptive sports camp, adaptive judo, rock climbing, wheelchair basketball, gait camp, and adaptive sailing. I'm going to do adaptive swimming starting in March.
I also just got to be “Kid Captain” for the Blackhawks, and that was so cool! I got to be on the ice, and meet all of the players. They gave me fist bumps, and touched my head as they went to the ice. They won the game, too!
What do you love most about this programming?
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Adaptive sports camp is my favorite because there are multiple options. You get to try two different sports each day during camp. I've been able to accomplish so much at adaptive sports camp. I climbed to the top of the climbing wall at Maggie Daley Park, I've been able to meet members of the Cubs, and I've made a lot of friends, too. My favorite sport from adaptive sports camp has been adaptive sled hockey.
Name a few of your favorite things about the programs that you participate in.
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I like to ride the bus to adaptive sports camp, and I like to learn about all the different sports. I like making new friends at wheelchair basketball and traveling to tournaments. Mostly, I love that I've found other kids like me who are going through the same stuff that I am in these programs. It's a wonderful community.
What stands out to you about participating in adaptive sports?
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I learned that I'm not the only one with a disability, and people with disabilities can do so many sports! Basically, anything that anyone else can do.
I also learned a lot in judo, and I got my yellow belt promotion!
Greg and Jennifer, now it’s your turn to share more about Ione’s progress in adaptive sports. How did you find out about Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Adaptive Sports programs?
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We discovered adaptive judo during the Play for All event at the Chicago Children's Museum on Navy Pier. Most of the rest came from adaptive sports camp, which we heard about at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab when we were there for one of Ione's physical therapy sessions. Through the camp, we became exposed to the adaptive sailing program and the Chicago Skyhawks wheelchair basketball program, as well as some one-off events we've attended, like the sled hockey clinic.
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab partners with organizations around Chicago to provide adaptive sports opportunities to kids like Ione. How long is your commute to get to various programs?
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That varies based on the program. We live in the city, so it's a short trip to get to sailing (about 15-20 minutes) and judo (10-15 minutes). Wheelchair basketball practice is farther, roughly 30-35 minutes away. Ione loves all of it, so it is definitely worth the mileage!
What growth or positive changes have you seen in Ione since she started in different Adaptive Sports programs?
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Ione's confidence and self-esteem have grown immensely since she started with the Adaptive Sports programs. Ione's involvement in adaptive sports has been a boost to her pride and determination. She believes in herself and knows that she can do anything. As parents, that is a beautiful sight to see in your child.
What have you most enjoyed since enrolling Ione in Adaptive Sports programs?
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Well, basically what every parent strives for — seeing the joy in our child's face when she's participating in these programs. We know how much she loves them because we can see her excited anticipation before, and she does not stop talking about them afterward as well. We've enjoyed seeing her self-confidence and her independence grow, of course, but mostly we see how she feels about the adaptive sports community, and it brings us happiness.
