Junior Competitive Sports Program
| ;When: |
Currently, Basketball practice meets Saturdays from |
| Where: |
Program meets at various Chicago Park District facilities throughout Chicago |
| Season: |
Basketball: October-March
Track and Field: April- August
Softball: April-August
|
| Contact: |
Trent Thenhaus 312-238-5011 or tthenhaus@ric.org |
A collaboration between the RIC Wirtz Sports Program and the Chicago Park District (CPD), competitive junior sports is ideal for youth seeking to develop thier sports skills in wheelchair basketball, track and field, and wheelchair softball. Expert coaching and adaptive equipment are provided. Transportation is provided to participants living within Chicago city limits. Athletes travel to local and regional competitions.
One must be registered with RIC and the Chicago Park District to participate in the junior sports programs.
Sports
Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair basketball season starts in October and meets once weekly. Visit the junior wheelchair basketball page for more information.
Wheelchair Softball
The RIC-CPD Junior Cubs are part of the National Wheelchair Softball Association, a fast paced and highly competitive junior division for wheelchair softball teams with players age 8—18 years old. The season begins in late May and culminates in a National Championship tournament held in early August.
The junior division provides an opportunity for boys and girls with disabilities to enjoy the thrills and experiences of competitive, fast paced, and action packed softball. Just like their classmates in school who play in other competitive baseball and softball leagues, youth with disabilities have the opportunity to experience the joys, sense of belonging to a team, health benefits, and all the life experiences provided by playing athletics and team sports through wheelchair softball.
Track and Field
Wheelchair and ambulatory track along with field events are offered. Athletes participate in the Great Lakes Games as well as National Junior Disability Championship.
