Why We're Here
Upper Valley Connection was born of the
idea that every kid ought to have the chance to play sports if she or he wants
to --regardless of ability.
Young people with disabilities or special needs--whether, physical, mental or environmentally-caused--don't have the same opportunities for leisure time activities as do their non-disabled peers. They often lack basic social and communication skills, as well as athletic ability. This doesn't mean, however, that they lack the desire to have those same opportunities. The benefits of participating in sports are every bit as valid for these kids as for any others.
There have been a few programs come and go over the years, and they all have taken place in Wenatchee. For those of us who live in Leavenworth, Cashmere, Chelan, Lake Wenatchee, etc., this hasn't been very convenient. It has caused us to wonder why our children with special needs weren't able to participate in athletics in their own home town, like their typically-developing siblings. This is their community, where they go to school and have friends and family--why couldn't they recreate here as well?
Young people with disabilities or special needs--whether, physical, mental or environmentally-caused--don't have the same opportunities for leisure time activities as do their non-disabled peers. They often lack basic social and communication skills, as well as athletic ability. This doesn't mean, however, that they lack the desire to have those same opportunities. The benefits of participating in sports are every bit as valid for these kids as for any others.
There have been a few programs come and go over the years, and they all have taken place in Wenatchee. For those of us who live in Leavenworth, Cashmere, Chelan, Lake Wenatchee, etc., this hasn't been very convenient. It has caused us to wonder why our children with special needs weren't able to participate in athletics in their own home town, like their typically-developing siblings. This is their community, where they go to school and have friends and family--why couldn't they recreate here as well?
Program Objectives
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1. To encourage
interactions among young people of various backgrounds and abilities (e.g.
physical & mental disabilities,
environmental concerns, and those without any obvious special needs) and thus
encourage the appreciation and celebration
of diversity by all.
2. To provide opportunities for young people with special needs to have meaningful and enjoyable leisure time activities in, or close to, their own home town, thus facilitating the development of friendships for these people who often don't have any true friends. 3. To encourage the development of appropriate social and communication skills among young people with varying abilities, by offering a variety of leisure activities. |
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