2008 Camp (25th Anniversary)

The Colorado Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp celebrated its silver anniversary in June attracting 100 wheelchair users ages 5-18 during the weeklong event. Presented by the Colorado Sports for the Physically Challenged and Rocky Mountain Wheelchair Athletic Association., this annual event enables disabled youths to experience the same activities a day camp provides to their able-bodied peers – including an opportunity to enjoy camaraderie among other children of like age and ability.

The event is the brainchild of Mary Carpenter, an affiliate Wheelchair Sports USA Hall of Fame recipient. Carpenter, along with her immediate family and perennial volunteers Char Frank and Kit Hovey, coordinate every aspect of the camp including attracting and training volunteers, overall event coordination, media outreach and soliciting sponsors. As a result of numerous contributions, the camp is offered at a no-charge basis allowing any child with a physical disability to participate regardless of financial barriers that child’s family may face.

“[The camp] introduces kids to sports,” says 14-year volunteer Dan Clemente. “They find out they can actually do sports.”

Clemente is not new to adaptive sports having played wheelchair softball for years prior to relocating to Tucson, Ariz. , three years ago. Although no longer a Colorado resident, Clemente still makes the journey to the camp each year to volunteer. Clemente enjoys the camaraderie, empowering children to build their self confidence through sports and acting as a role model.