Youth Challenge

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Youth Challenge

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YC provides adapted sports and recreation programs to over 150 young people with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, blindness/visual impairments, and others.

We offer more than 300 free, year-round activities throughout Northeast Ohio. All programs are carefully adapted to meet the special needs of each child and are created to safely challenge appropriate age and skill levels.

Mission
Youth Challenge brings together young people with physical disabilities and teen volunteers who inspire each other through adapted sports, recreation and social growth activities.

Vision
Youth Challenge is the recognized leader in Northeast Ohio for enriching the lives of young people of all abilities, and supporting their growth and well-being.

Youth Challenge changes lives in simple yet extraordinary ways. Children with physical disabilities and their teen volunteer partners learn and grow through adaptive sports, recreation, art, and life-skills training. At Youth Challenge, we believe that, despite one’s limitations, everyone has the right to play, learn, make friends, have fun, and enjoy life in a safe, welcoming environment. No family is ever charged a fee for Youth Challenge services.

In 1976, Mary Sue (Anter) Tanis had a vision to help young people with physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida, engage in recreation. Mary Sue’s vision has continued to grow into a dynamic experience for hundreds of children.

YC by the numbers:
150+ participants with physical disabilities, age four and older
450+ teen volunteers, age 12 through 18
Hundreds of year-round programs, including sports, arts, and more
95% of participants receive transportation from Youth Challenge’s fleet of accessible vans
50% of all participants are between the ages of eight and 13.
$0 is ever charged to families for programming

Activities

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Adaptive Archery

All About Sled Hockey Sled Hockey A Sport for All Abilities Sled hockey had its beginning in the early 1960s when some enterprising athletes at a physical rehabilitation center in Sweden wanted to play the game. The men modified a metal frame sled with two regular-sized ice hockey skate blades that allowed the puck to pass…

There is a rapidly growing adaptive sport that is changing the way people think of those using a power chair. That sport is power soccer. “It is not only changing the perception others have, but also how participants think of themselves,” said Jonathan Newman, the Adult Sports Coordinator at Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program…

Proper muscle balance is essential in order to prevent injuries and to enhance athletic performance. Common sport-related injuries such as rotator cuff tendonitis or bicepital tendonitis are due to overuse/improper muscular balance. These injuries are common in certain sports, but are also common to the everyday wheelchair user. A high percentage of athletes in throwing…

It is difficult to find balance without the ability to look inward, whether it is physical balance or balance in our daily lives. Starting the day healthfully can be as simple as breathing and stretching. An important component of a total fitness program is stretching. Add focused deep breathing to a stretch and you’ve entered…