Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Amy Saffell, Executive Director with ABLE Youth, who highlights the Nashville, Tennessee-based nonprofit organization that helps kids with physical disabilities learn independence skills through adaptive sports. Because the kids have physical disabilities, almost all are not eligible for Special Olympics, so ABLE Youth is a one-of-a-kind organization in Tennessee, giving kids with physical disabilities the opportunity to participate in adaptive sports while learning just how bright of a future they have in life.
During the interview, Amy discusses how ABLE Youth leads children ages 3-12 and young adults 13-22 to become independent, graduate from high school and continue their education in college or enter the workforce by using sports as a motivating catalyst for them to reach their goals. She discusses some of their different programs like Super Sports Saturday, which is a monthly opportunity for the youth and young adults to learn and practice adaptive sports and independence skills, as well as a chance to form friendships. Adaptive sports include wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, track, and field, and more.
Amy then spotlights some of their other programs, including Independence Camp, Wheelchair Basketball leagues and their two Music City Thunder wheelchair basketball teams, Adaptive Athletic Meets, adaptive rock climbing and road racing. Amy wraps up sharing some of her own experiences and how ABLE Youth is helping youth and young adults transform their lives. She also covers some of the ways the community can support their efforts, like their upcoming annual golf tournament, the Will Bell Golf Classic, which is named after one of their alumni and being held on Friday, September 27, 2024.
Visit https://www.ableyouth.org to learn more and to get involved.
