20 years ago, in 1999, I was introduced to the Children's Lightning Wheels by one of my physical therapists who's also one of the assistant coaches. I participated in the sports of track & field, table tennis, and archery (even fencing for a couple years).
Joining the team was one of the best things that I could've done. Over the years, I've met many great people (teammates, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, competitors, and many more). I've also competed at 12 National Junior Disability Championships (New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Arizona, Missouri, and Iowa) as a member of the Lightning Wheels.
As a member of the Lightning Wheels, I learned about independence, confidence, teamwork, friendship, sportsmanship, and so much more. I've also became stronger while taking part in the gym program and different practices. They have helped me strengthen my core muscles, as well as my other muscles.
I aged out of the Lightning Wheels in 2015 but still compete as an adult adaptive athlete. I decided to no longer do track (since track and I had our differences lol) but still do field events (shot put, discus, and javelin), table tennis, and archery.
Even though I aged out from the Lightning Wheels, I still help out with the team from time-to-time whether it's archery or if I'm at their track & field practices. I also help out whenever and wherever I can at sports meets (timing track events, helping the coaches with heat sheets, answer any questions members of the team have, etc.).
Adaptive sports has taught me a lot over the years and I wouldn't change a thing. I've made life-long friendships. I have a different point-of-view than many do. It's given me many opportunities that I definitely wouldn't have if I was never introduce to sports in 1999.
I always say that I know who I would be or where I would be if it wasn't for being a part of the Children's Lightning Wheels and adaptive sports. I still believe that til this day.
There is so much more that I can say about my 20 years of adaptive sports but instead of writing it all down here, I will be doing a video for my YouTube channel so STAY TUNED!
Back so soon? Yep. Well, I have written something for sports writing class that I thought would make a great blog post so I have decided to put it on here. I was going to put it next week but today is International Day of Persons With Disabilities so I thought it would be best to post it today.
For one of my writings, we had to write a column and I wrote it on getting adaptive sports programs in colleges which is something that needs to be addressed (it has already but there needs to be more). I hope you enjoy this and feel free to share!
Here it is:
Did you know that there
are about 49 million people with a disability in the United States? If the
numbers are so high then how come there aren’t more adaptive sports programs in
colleges? Well that needs to change.
In
the past few years, there has been a great deal of need of adaptive sports
programs to be added to colleges and universities. In 2009, American Collegiate
Society of Adapted Athletes was formed to spread awareness towards creating
adaptive sports programs to help disabled athletes have somewhere to go when
they graduate high school. Right now, there are only 23 colleges/universities
that offer adaptive sports and there are more than 4,800 colleges/universities
overall. See the problem here? It’s time that more schools start offering these
sports programs as the number of disabled athletes too is growing.
Ok, I can see why you’re going to say ‘uh why? Why is it
really necessary for adapted sports programs?’ How many athletes are really going
to be going to the school and will take part in the program? How exactly is the
school going to pay for the new program? There will need to be money for
salaries (new coaches), equipment (even though many athletes have their own),
and whatever else that will be needed for the programs. Well honestly, every
single question can be answered and yes, it is necessary for these programs to
be formed.
Now before I go into why adapted sports programs in
colleges are necessary, let me tell you what my search for college was like.
First, I am an adaptive athlete and do the sports of track & field, table
tennis, archery and at one point, fencing. When I was looking into colleges, I
was looking for schools that had sports programs whether adapted or open to
adapted but do you want to know what I found? Nothing. At least nothing in New
Jersey. So I decided to stick with focusing on education and continue being a
part of the Children’s Lightning Wheels but even that has to come to an end at
some point. What’s next?
Do you know how much more diversed sports would be if colleges/universities
included adapted sports? Athletes would get to know one another and learn about
each other’s sports and how those athletes do their sports. Isn’t this country
all about diversity and getting to know different cultures? Well this is exactly
the same! A baseball player can get to know a disabled field athlete. A
wheelchair track athlete can show a non-disabled track athlete how they use
their arms instead of their legs. It gives everyone growth and it will lead to
more diversity in other areas of sports, not just college.
Hello! Can’t you see there will be many more opportunities
open for people with disabilities? It’s time that people with disabilities get
the same recognition as other groups. I mean, we are the biggest minority group
in the world. Did you know that? Of course not. Why would you? We’re the last
group people think about. But there are 49 million people in the United States
alone that have a disability which is 20 percent of the country’s population.
Shocking huh? Well if colleges bring adapted sports programs to their schools,
people will start seeing people with disabilities as people and might actually
consider looking more into how to better equality for those.
Now having these sports programs in colleges will lead to
more across the country like in public school (middle and high schools) and
programs like the Lightning Wheels which will lead to more athletes. More
athletes means more students and that could bring the tuition down because more
students equals less to pay. Sounds like a plan to me. Don’t you agree? Also,
these athletes will no longer be “hidden” away in their homes and take part in
the world which could lead to a better economy. Don’t we all want that?
You still don’t agree? All right then, how about this?
Why don’t colleges allow people with disabilities take part in the sports
programs that are in session now? Like if a school has a track team, let a
wheelchair track athlete be on the team and create a wheelchair division, you
know like how the high schools do it. If numbers rise in the amount of disabled
athletes then the school can create a separate sports program for the adaptive
sports. But I’m telling you right now, it might just be easier to create the
adaptive sports program right off the bat.
Well there we go. What did you think? Feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts!
How is everyone doing? It's been awhile hasn't it? Seven months. I don't know if you're interested in wondering where have I been or what I have been up to but as you are my readers, I'm going to say that you are and I will let you all know. Now let's see what should be first? I'm going to set up the post like I usually do and break it up in sections (below).
But before I do so, I would like to say that I am definitely considering to bringing back the song, movie, and TV show of the week back. I know I only did one week of it (two for song but the same song) but at the time, I don't think I could keep up with it. Now I do. At least I might in about three to four weeks (you'll understand after reading Education section). I'm not going to be 100% on board with it until I do about three weeks (which will show that I can keep up with it). I might not start those posts until after four weeks from now.
Anyways, here we go.
Education:
I am currently in my final semester in college. It will be 4 1/2 years in school. My final class will be in a few weeks (the week of December 16th) and I will be walking (wheeling) in graduation in May of 2016. I am looking forward in doing so. I have worked on my graduation papers this semester and felt a relief when I completed the papers needed for graduation. Now what am I learning this semester? A lot!, I know that. The following are classes that I am taking: Accounting, Social Media, Interpersonal Communication (a class I believe everyone should take), Sports Writing, and Senior Writing Seminar. In each class, I have learned so much more that I thought I would and will be looking to take what I have learned in these classes and previous classes with me as I move into the real world. Three weeks. That's all that's left and there is so much left to do - papers, tests, group projects, etc. So this is why I said, above, when I might update my blog next. But after that, expect reading many posts from me.
Writing:
So as you know, from the previous post, I have finished one of my books and was looking into querying agents with the book but I have taken a break from that. But have no fear, I am still writing. I am not focusing on my senior project which I hope will turn into the book that I am going to definitely work on. I have not given up on the other book but I feel my senior project is something that I will be able to focus on more and have more of a chance with. I actually have a better feeling with this project but I'll always go back to the other one, possibly revising it once again. You (I) can never be finished with revisions!
Sports:
Well the 2015 sports season is coming to a close which also means that my career as a junior athlete is coming to a close. 17 years. 17 years with the Children's Lightning Wheels and I will never forget any of the time that I had with sports, teammates, coaches, parents, officials, competitions, etc. This year, we hosted the 2015 National Junior Disability Championships (NJDC) and it was a blast. We won 2nd place for the Large Team division and it was great getting to compete in front of friends and family. Thank you to those who came out and supported all the athletes. It was a great turnout and I hope that the future NJDC continue growing. It was also a bittersweet week as it was my final junior nationals and the final time in a racer (track). Thank you to all my coaches, teammates, parents, competitors, officials and anyone who I have met over the years for giving me a great ride and I will gladly take everything that I have learned from you with me as I move forward with my athletic career. I am looking forward to moving on to the adult word of sports, as well as helping coach archery with my junior team. Bring on Season 2016.
Well, I believe that is everything that I have done since my last post. I could be missing something and if I am, you will be the first to know! So like I said, I will be more involved with my blog starting in the next few weeks and I am looking forward to being more conversational with you all!
So it's been a month since I last posted about something. I thought that I would let you all know what I have been up to. It hasn't been much, really so this isn't going to be that long of a post.
Mostly, I have been doing is school, writing, and sports.
School: I am taking six classes this semester (I know what you're thinking - You're crazy!). Three are English classes (Business and Professional Writing, Poetry, Advance Composition) and three are electives (Script Writing, Worlds of History, Infant and Toddlers in Diverse Society). This is my fourth year in college and I am planning on my final semester to be next Fall (Fall of 2015), as I still need 10 classes (mostly electives) after this semester.
Writing: Starting back in August, I decided to bring one of my unfinished novels back around. I am really focusing on the possibility of getting this novel published. At first, I thought editing was all that was needed but I have noticed that there were missing pieces in it, so I have decided to add a few chapters which right now would make the novel to be 25 chapters long. I have finished one of my new chapters but I am still in the process of writing the other two new chapters.
If you would like to stay up to date with my writing career - you can go LIKE my new public Facebook page. I post quotes about writing, updates on how I'm doing with my writing, etc. Also, if you would like a preview of my writing - you can go read some of the stories that I wrote for Fanfiction. Letting you know, it's High School Musical fanfiction but if you know me - you know how much of a fan I was/am of the High School Musical franchise.
Sports: The sports season, currently, is over until February/March but we did have a month of practice for our last meet of the season. At the last meet, I won Outstanding Female in Table Tennis. It was a fun time as usual. I have been having archery practice, which might be coming to an end as the winter air is coming and the sun is setting earlier. We are starting up the gym program again, this coming Tuesday so that should be fun. Next season marks the final season of my Junior career, which is crazy because I have been doing this and been a part of the Lightning Wheels since I was five years old. I'm going to enjoy next season and will continue the sports as I enter the adult division, after next year.
Besides being busy with the sports that I compete in, I have also been busy supporting the professional sports. Hockey is back! Let's Go Devils! I have gone to the final preseason game when the beat the New York Rangers, and I am hoping to get to a regular season game for this season. For baseball - unfortunately the Yankees did not make the playoffs but it was one of those "it was meant to be" moments as Derek Jeter ended his career with a walk-off win at home and RBI-single at Fenway. (I may do a Derek Jeter post so I will not be going into great detail in this post). This Tuesday starts the World Series (San Francisco Giants vs. Kansas City Royals). I am not picking a favorite as I picked both teams to make the World Series, so I will be fine with whoever wins. Now for football, ehh, we can skip that right? The Jets aren't doing that great. Are we surprised? No? Yeah, me neither.
In football, my family take part in the Weekly Pick'Em on NFL.com where we pick the winners of each game, each week. I am currently in fifth place of the group and I am hoping to move up some more, but we'll see what happens. Yay football!
Well, I think that's everything that has been going on in the past couple months. If there are anymore updates, I will let you know and write another post. My next post might be about Derek Jeter, as I feel I should write one since I'm a huge fan of his and have a lot to say about him.
I know, I know...It's been awhile, more like two months. I was going to try and write a post each day that I was in Iowa but even though there was time, there wasn't time. So, I have decided that before I start back up in school for my fourth year, I will update you all on how this Summer has gone and is going. What do you all think about that?
Let's first start with the National Junior Disability Championships (NJDC) that were held in Ames, Iowa during the week of July 5th-12th. After having tons of fun on the bus ride on the way to Minnesota, we decided to do another road trip with the bus, as well with the same awesome bus driver! First half of the ride out to Iowa was fun, watching movies, reading books, listening to music, laughing and talking with each other. One of the movies that stood out to me, of course, was watching Eight Below (my favorite of Paul Walker's [RIP]) which was one of the movies that I brought. Reason why it stood out was because of what happened when this following scene happened:
The whole bus jumped in surprise when the seal came out of the whale because it was something that no one but my mom and I were expecting it (even I jumped, it gets me every time). It was a little funny seeing everyone jump out of their seats because it brought be back to the day when I saw the movie for the first time in the theaters and everyone jumped up. Sorry team for not warning you!
Now, another moment that stands out on the bus ride was when broke down in Indiana due to mechanical issues with the bus. We had stopped a few times before our bus driver pulled off at a rest stop while we could get our bus be fixed. We were stuck in Indiana for a about five-six hours but once we got back on the road, we were about seven hours away from our destination.
Now, after the road trip, we are now in Ames, Iowa getting ready to compete! My first competition was the first day of competition and that was archery. I had a rough time during the first round due to issues with my bow and arrows but I improved during the second round. I shot a 100 which wasn't my worst but not my best either. My next competition was table tennis and I had very close matches that led to game 5 but overall, I won one match but two of my teams made top three of all the athletes! Two days later, I had both field and track which was my final day of competition. For my 100 meters race, my time was 34.22 seconds and I was also in a relay which did great/awesome! For my field events, the following distances were my best that day: Discus - 5.93m, Javelin - 7.49m, Shot Put - 2.88m. All distances were close to personal bests. Overall, I had a great week in competitions and had a fun time with my friends, teammates, officials, event organizers, coaches, families, and more. Children's Lightning Wheels won 2nd place in the large team division! Yay team!
Our ride home seemed like it went quicker than the ride out there and we got home a little earlier than planned which always feels good. Here are some pictures from the week. Also, if you want more information for the week of this year's Nationals: NJDC 2014.
So, that is the update for Nationals. What else have I been up to this Summer? Well, two days before we left for Nationals, my sister had a new baby - a boy! I met my new nephew the day after we came home from Nationals and he is very adorable. Also, my other nephew (7 years old) stayed with us for a week, a couple weeks ago. It was an interesting week. When Summer comes around, I always go to work with my Mom to help her with shredding, filing, putting together packets, etc.
So far, I have done two other things Summer that were a blast. Last Monday, I went to the Somerset Patriots game with my parents, aunt, and uncle which I always enjoy doing. It was a hot day so I wasn't able to stay in the spot where I normally sit the whole time so I moved to the back for the shade. Good chicken fingers and french fries which is usually what I get when I go to ball games. I don't like hot dogs. Well, I do but I don't. That's a story for another time. Sadly, the Patriots lost but it was still a fun day.
The final event that I just recently was at the 19th Annual Softball Benefit Tournament for Children's Lightning Wheels, this past Saturday, which is an event that I go to every year. This tournament is held every year to raise money for my team and I always have a blast. This year was no different, maybe even more fun than other years (don't know why..lol). I have a new nickname from the guys (players, umpires, event organizers), and it is The Commissioner (Commish) which I will enjoy having from now on. I had lots of fun seeing, hanging out, and laughing with the players who I have known for awhile and meeting many new ones. I can't wait for next year and excited for it because it will be the 20th Annual Tournament and it's going to be awesome! Also can't wait to see everyone next year.
I have more pictures from the event, but the above collage are four of my favorite pictures from the day. Once again, on behalf of the Lightning Wheels, thank you to all the players, sponsors, umpires, and event organizers for another great day!
Well, that is everything that I have done this Summer. Oh! I forgot to mention that for my Spring 2014 Semester for school, I made the Dean's list. I was very happy when I achieved that honor and I'm going to push myself for my last couple (few) semesters to make the list again.
I hope everyone has/had a great Summer and if you are returning to school, have a great year and push through everything.
I am not sure when my next post will be but it will be sooner than two months (maybe).
As you know, I am a part of the Children's Lightning Wheels Paralympic Sport Club and I do the sports of track & field, table tennis, and archery. Between May and June, we had three meets (for the Tri-State area), one Invitational meet (my team's meet) and two qualifying meet (Tri-States & Mason's).
I am happy to say that I have qualified in all six of my events that I needed to qualify for (three field events, 100 meter track, table tennis, and archery). This means, I get to compete this summer at the 2014 National Junior Disability Championships (NJDC)! This year's Nationals will be held in Ames, Iowa. Looking forward to it as many of my teammates are as well. We are excited for another week of fun, as well as the bus ride there, as we had an awesome time on the bus last year!
Before we leave, we have about four more practices for all the sports so we can get ourselves ready to take on the rest of the nation. NJDC is during the week of July 5th-12th with a different schedule every day. We also get to meet many other athletes/coaches/volunteers from across the country which is one of the best things about this week. If you want to see what this week is all about, you can check out the website here ---> NJDC 2014.
I may have another post before we leave for Nationals and I am thinking about writing a post, every day as I am there but it would depend on if I have time during the week to do so but I am going to try! :) I hope you all are having a great day and is looking forward towards the official start of summer!
For the past 14 years, I have been a part of a great sports program based out of Children's Specialized Hospital (CSH) called the Lightning Wheels. When I was about six years old, one of the physical therapists asked my parents if I would be interested in joining the sports team for the hospital. After we met the head coach and I raced around the halls for fun, we officially decided that I would join the team and the rest was history.
I started out only doing track & field but as time went by, I added table tennis and archery to the list of sports I do. There was a point where I also did fencing for two years. Being a part of this team, it has taught be how to be independent, care for others, see other places, sportsmanship, making friends, and many more. I have build so many friendships where I consider everyone my family which is why the quote at the top is the lead quote to this post.
Getting ready for Opening Ceremonies at NJDC in Minnesota
The above picture is the recent picture of our team. Over the years, we have had members come and go but no matter what, once you've been on the team, you are always considered as a Lightning Wheel. The picture also proves that we are a fun, crazy team but we would never change a thing. This past summer, we went to Rochester, Minnesota for the National Junior Disability Championships (NJDC). We took a bus there so can you imagine over 20 hours driving was like with a crazy team like ours? It was awesome! I think the 20 hours brought us even closer together if that is even possible. We watched movies, listened to music, laughed, some slept if could, played games, and anything else you can think of was done on the bus.
We had the best bus driver anyone could ask for. After a tight fit getting into the hotel with the bus, we all trusted him with our lives for the rest of the week. He became an honorary member of the team and remind you, nationals was back at the beginning of July - we still talk about how much we miss him and hope we get him again next year, if we are for sure taking the bus again which we all hope we are.
Some memories from NJDC (credit to one of my best friend's)
One of the best things about going to different states every year for NJDC for a week, yes to hang out with your best friends but also meeting new people whether they are athletes or just some local people and/or volunteers. Over the years, my friends and I have met some very interesting people that only us would ever run into..lol..It has become a tradition. Some of those interesting people are: someone who asked to take a picture with me at an aquarium, a bunch of drunk people at different times (started with one, then four the next year, and then lost count the year after that), and others. There were also nice people we also met along the way like the people who worked at airlines, the hotels we stayed at, softball players, and many of the volunteers. If it wasn't for the team, I wouldn't have had the opportunity in meeting all of these people who have become some part in my life even if I never see them again.
There are so many memories that I would love to live over again: getting pushed at my first nationals' opening ceremonies because it was a big track (lol), dirt conversation that started everything, reliving every nationals that I have gone to, meeting each person who has made an impact in my life, softball fundraisers, running into the drunks, finding Lucky Ducky, playing with Gameboy/Nintendo DS/other consoles, track meets, and other memories. I hope and I know that the next two years which will also be my last two years will bring many more memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I honestly don't know where I would be or who I would be if I didn't have this team, my second family.
Oh and you can NEVER forget the duckies!!! lol Since 2009, we have gained a mascot when one of our coaches found a rubber duck on the street of a Walk & Roll event. Ever since then, we have collected ducks over the years. We started out with just one, Lucky Ducky, and now we have probably more than anyone can count.
Minnesota Ducky with our 2nd place trophy from 2013 NJDC
Well, I think that's all for now. I know there's more the team than what I have wrote about in this post but as I continue writing posts, you will learn many more about the members and the team. There are going to be pictures below of me doing some sports I do. Hope you enjoy!
