Pennsylvania Center For Adapted Sports

Over the next few weeks, we're going to be spotlighting our youth track and field and swimteam athletes as they train for and head into the Youth Nationals Track and Field and Swimming Event in July. If you would like to donate to our youth track and field team, please go here: https://givebutter.com/YouthTrack24

Declan is 14 and heading to high school in the fall at West Chester East. Declan has spastic diplegic Cerebral Palsy meaning it affects both his legs and, to a lesser degree, his upper extremities. This is his 8th year on the PCAS Track and Field team and will be his 4th time attending Nationals in July. Declan has found his stride in the last couple years in his running and looks forward to being one of the top contenders in his age group at Nationals in the 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m. But his favorite events are throwing: discus, shotput and javelin. Declan also enjoys stage crew and D&D club at school.

Over the next few weeks, we're going to be spotlighting our youth track and field and swimteam athletes as they train for and head into the Youth Nationals Track and Field and Swimming Event in July. If you would like to donate to our youth track and field team, please go here: https://givebutter.com/YouthTrack24

Alexis “Lexi” West is 13 year old with cerebral palsy and loves competing in the adaptive world of sports. She first learned about PCAS track and field when she was 6 years old and started competing at age 8. This will be her 4th year at Nationals and she still remembers that her very first event at Nationals was the triathlon. When she finished she said “can we do that every day!” She loves to run and has grown to love swimming so she can compete in the triathlon. She competes freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, many running events, shot put, discus, javelin, and long jump. This past year she also joined her school’s cross country and track and field teams. In addition to sports she loves music!

🎉🚣‍♀️ Congratulations to our amazing rowing athletes on their outstanding performance at the Independence Day Regatta! Five double boats competed, showcasing incredible determination, teamwork, and spirit. A special shoutout to our winners and our coaches and volunteers.

Check out the highlights from the event in the photos below! 📸✨

Over the next few weeks, we're going to be spotlighting our youth track and field and swimteam athletes as they train for and head into the Youth Nationals Track and Field and Swimming Event in July. If you would like to donate to our youth track and field team, please go here: https://givebutter.com/YouthTrack24

Mercy is a 13 year old athlete with albinism and visual impairment. She was introduced to adaptive sports in 2021 beginning with the Pennsylvania Center for Adaptive Sports track and field team. This has provided many opportunities where Mercy can thrive in her love of sports and competition. Mercy will be heading to Junior Nationals for her fourth year. She will compete with PCAS’ track, field and swim teams. Mercy enjoys competing and has gained confidence through the opportunities she has been given in adaptive sports. But her favorite thing about being on Team PCAS is the friends she has made with her teammates and competitors. Mercy will be competing in javelin, discus and shot put in field. She currently holds the national record in shot put for her classification. Mercy will run the 100, 200 and 400 in track. In swim she will be competing in freestyle and backstroke. Mercy also participates with her middle school track and field team and community swim team. Besides sports Mercy also enjoys dice and cup stacking, playing the drum in band and singing in chorus.

Giant Paralympic Agitos revealed on the Arc de Triomphe The Paralympic symbol has been installed in the iconic monument in Paris, the first host city to display it before the start of the Olympic Games

Over the next few weeks, we're going to be spotlighting our youth track and field and swimteam athletes as they train for and head into the Youth Nationals Track and Field and Swimming Event in July. If you would like to donate to our youth track and field team, please go here: https://givebutter.com/YouthTrack24

Josh Staus is a 13 year old with cerebral palsy. He has always been athletic and dreams of being an American Ninja Warrior. Due to his disability he was discouraged that he was unable to keep up on the basketball court or sports fields with his peers.

PCAS track and field has given him an outlet to channel his athleticism and soar.

His absolute favorite event is the javelin.

He will be competing in various running and field events at nationals this year and is most excited to be competing in distance running for the first time this year, running the 3,000 meter.

When he is not running, jumping or throwing, Josh loves spending his time fishing, riding his bike and perfecting scooter tricks at the skate park.

Over the next few weeks, we're going to be spotlighting our youth track and field and swimteam athletes as they train for and head into the Youth Nationals Track and Field and Swimming Event in July. If you would like to donate to our youth track and field team, please go here: https://givebutter.com/YouthTrack24

Ava joined our youth track and field team when she was just 9 or 10, and even back then, she was a determined spitfire of an athlete—infinitely coachable and always striving to get better.

Over the years, a lot has changed. Ava discovered a passion for swimming, realizing she loved it even more than track and field. She took on swimming with the same tenacity and quickly became a phenomenal talent in the pool.

Her hard work and dedication have taken her to many national meets and even internationally to IWAS in Portugal. Beyond her athletic achievements, Ava has become a role model and a friend to the younger athletes on our team, always ready to help and support them.

Ava is so excited to be competing in her 6th Move United Nationals this year! She graduated High School in June and is very grateful for the support of PCAS and the availability of adapted sports while growing up. Being on a supportive team with amazing coaches, has proven to be an invaluable experience that her and her family will cherish.

And somehow, she also grew up along the way! Congratulations, Ava, on your graduation! 🎓 We are so proud of you and excited for your next adventures. Ava will be attending Immaculata University, where she will be the first para swimmer on their swim team and will be studying sport management.

Best of luck, Ava! We're cheering for you every step of the way! 🏊‍♀️✨

Over the next few weeks, we're going to be spotlighting our youth track and field and swimteam athletes as they train for and head into the Youth Nationals Track and Field and Swimming Event in July. If you would like to donate to our youth track and field team, please go here: https://givebutter.com/YouthTrack24

Alexis Wolff is a rising 10th grader at Padua Academy. Alexis is excited to attend the Hartford Nationals for the first time! She will compete in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, and 3000m track events. She is hoping to add throwing events to this list after the Miller Family Open later this month. Alexis also enjoys doing stage crew for her school theater program and skiing with PCAS.

Over the next few weeks, we're going to be spotlighting our youth track and field and swimteam athletes as they train for and head into the Youth Nationals Track and Field and Swimming Event in July. If you would like to donate to our youth track and field team, please go here: https://givebutter.com/YouthTrack24

Zoey is an 11 year old athlete with Achondroplasia who loves to swim. She has been on the swim team for 4 years now and had become frustrated that she was unable to be competitive against average height children. Joining the PCAS team has increased her confidence and allowed her to see that in a competitive environment with her LP peers she does amazingly well! She will be competing in all swim events as well as long jump and the 100m and 60m dash for track. When she is not swimming she is busy listening to Taylor Swift, putting on makeup and chatting with her friends.

We’re excited to share some news! We've been evaluated by Charity Navigator, the world’s largest and most trusted nonprofit evaluator, and earned a Four-Star Rating! This is the highest possible rating on Charity Navigator.

Charity Navigator’s third-party accreditation validates our organization’s operational excellence.

This milestone achievement couldn’t have happened without our supporters. Thank you for being part of our family as contributors, funders, and volunteers. Your trust and support help us make a difference for the community we serve.

Our adaptive birding program has been out and about this spring seeing, hearing, and learning about some really cool birds. These photos are from our latest outings at Dixon Meadows and Tyler Arboretum. For more information on our birding programs, or to register, please go here: https://centeronline.com/adapted-birding

We are thrilled to share the success of our recent Adapted Cycling Clinic for Veterans with Disabilities, hosted in partnership with the Philadelphia VA!

🚴‍♂️🇺🇸 It was a day filled with empowerment and camaraderie, as our veterans took on new challenges and embraced the freedom of cycling.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a reality and to our incredible volunteers and VA staff for their participation and enthusiasm.

We are thrilled to announce that our teams clinched not one, but TWO first-place finishes at this year's Dad Vail Regatta! Great performance by our rowers! A huge shoutout to our incredible coaches and the support team, who have been our backbone. Here’s to continuing our winning streak! 🌟🛶

We had a great day at our Cinco De Mayo ride and walk fundraiser. Thanks to all of the riders who came out and rode in spite of the rain. And thanks to all the volunteers for your help. It was a great day!

PCAS’s own red hot chili pepper and lime are ready for the riders today! Remember, dress accordingly and enjoy a ride on the Chester Valley Trail! For our Cinco De Mayo Bike Ride.

🌟 Big shout-out to the amazing team from BAYADA Home Health Care who joined us for a day of volunteering!

Together, we rolled up our sleeves to organize and spruce up our boathouse and grounds. Your energy and enthusiasm brought so much sparkle and order to our space. Thank you for making a difference! 💪🚣‍♂️

Let’s keep making waves of positive change together!

🎈 2 Days Left Until Our Big Event! 🚴‍♀️🚶

Get ready to hit the ground running (or cycling!) this Sunday at Exton Park. Our annual Cinco de Mayo Ride & Walk is almost here, and we’re excited to see all of you there, supporting our mission to fund adaptive sports equipment. This equipment is crucial for enabling participation in sports and recreation for people with disabilities.

🎉 What to Expect:

Fun activities for all ages
Great exercise in a beautiful park
An amazing community coming together for a cause
🎗 Get Involved: www.cincodemayoride.org

Still need to register? There's still time!
Start a fundraiser and show just how much you can achieve with the support of your network.

Every step you take, every pedal you push, helps us provide this vital equipment. Let’s hit our fundraising target and beyond!

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🌟 3 Days to Go Until the Cinco de Mayo Ride & Walk! 🚴🚶‍♂️

The countdown is on! Only three days left until we gather at Exton Park for a vibrant day of cycling and walking and support a crucial cause—raising funds for adaptive sports equipment, allowing people with disabilities to participate just like everyone else.

👟 Join Us: There’s still time to register!
💰 Donate: Can't join us? Contribute by making a donation. Every dollar helps us reach our goal!
🌐 Fundraise: Rally your friends and family by starting a team or joining an existing one. Let's make an impact together!
🔗 www.cincodemayoride.org

Help us provide essential adaptive sports equipment and programs for athletes with disabilities. Share this post and encourage others to join in!

👍

🚴‍♂️🚶‍♀️ This Sunday: Cinco de Mayo Ride & Walk! 🎉
Join us May 5 for a fun-filled day of cycling and walking! Help support adapted sports by participating, donating, or fundraising.
👍 Like, share, and let’s make a difference together! See you there!

- https://mailchi.mp/centeronline/countdown-to-the-cinco-de-mayo-walk-ride-10936160

🎉 What a great day at the Celebrate Trails Event! We were thrilled to see so many smiling faces enjoying the beauty of accessible trails and parks. 🌳🚶‍♂️

🌟 At PCAS we're committed to enhancing accessibility, ensuring that nature is open to everyone, no matter their mobility. 🌍💪

👏 Let’s keep pushing the boundaries and redefining what it means to be truly inclusive in the great outdoors.

🎉 This National Volunteer Week, we're celebrating the heart of our mission—our incredible volunteers! 🎉 With over 250 dedicated individuals from our community, you’ve not only powered our programs but also fostered inclusive environments where everyone finds belonging.

Your passion and commitment have sparked a transformation, making our community stronger and more connected. Thank you for creating a space where everyone can thrive. We are beyond grateful for each of you! ❤️🌍

👏 Share your volunteer stories in the comments! Let’s spread the inspiration!

Trails are for everyone! Join the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, IM ABLE Foundation, the Pennsylvania Center For Adapted Sports and supporting organizations for “Celebrate Trails Day” on Saturday, April 27 from 10am-2pm on the Chester Valley Trail. Everyone is invited to walk, ride, or roll together on the trail starting from the Exton Park Trailhead at 132 Church Farm Lane, Exton, PA 19341. Learn more at https://ow.ly/lTXb50RjXUl

🚴‍♂️🌼 Join us for Pennsylvania's most scenic event of the year—the Cinco de Mayo Ride & Walk! This isn't just a ride; it's a journey through our beautiful state, all while making a real difference.

🌟 Why ride alone when you can ride with a heart? Your participation helps us create a more inclusive community for people with disabilities. Let’s pedal together towards a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

💖 Ready to make an impact? Sign up now to participate or donate! Every bit helps us continue our vital work in adapted sports and wellness.

📅 Date: SUN May 5
📍 Location: Exton Park, Chester Valley Trail
🔗 Sign up or donate here: www.cincodemayoride.org

Join us!

EXCITING EVENT HAPPENING IN APRIL!

Accessible Birding and Tour of 'The Bird Ethic' art installation
April 14, 2024
10 AM -12:30 PM
Experience the joy of birding on our paved Widener Trail, where you’ll also have the opportunity to explore “The Bird Ethic,” an exhibition by Susan Hagen. This site-specific outdoor installation features sculptural diorama-like installations that delve into the history of bird conservation and ornithology in America.

In addition to the birding and art viewing, we’ll have food and drink available to keep you refreshed throughout the event. To ensure an inclusive and accessible experience, we’ll provide sensory kits, live audio descriptions, and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. The event also features Braille signage for visually impaired attendees.

This event is free to attend. Registration is required.
https://schuylkillcenter.cloud9strategies.com/accessible-birding-and-tour-of-the-bird-ethic/

We do not have a rain date scheduled as of yet.

This event is part of the DPP 'Outdoors for Everyone' programming in partnersrship with Art-Reach, Pennsylvania Center For Adapted Sports, and Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education

Are you interested in volunteering with our adaptive rowing program? No experience is required, but if you have experience, that is great! Our volunteers work directly with rowers with disabilities while building inclusive sport communities and sharing a sport you love. Our season is May through September, and we meet on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (pick one night) at 1233 MLK Dr. Philadelphia, PA 19131. We offer new and returning volunteer training on Tuesday and Wednesday April 23 and 24. To join, please go here to sign up: centeronline.com/par-training We hope to see you there!

Adaptive Rowing Volunteer — PA Center for Adapted Sports Philadelphia volunteer opportunities. Assist in our programs that offer athletes with disabilities access to many sports including rowing, cycling, skiing, yoga and much more.