The mission of the University of Northern Iowa's Wheelchair Sports Camp is to give qualified kids with disabilities around the State of Iowa, whether they happen to use a wheelchair for daily mobility or not, an opportunity to participate in various types of athletic events using a wheelchair. They will benefit from the physical and social opportunities available at the UNI camp by being introduced to new athletic activities in a structured environment. |
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There will be an opportunity for those athletes, already participating in some of these activities, for further instruction, expert coaching, and refinement of skills. Our goal is to offer instruction and increased individual attention as the athlete develops in future camps. In each training session, we focus on the individual skills development and instruction of the particular game or event.
Youths who are interested in improving their wheelchair basketball, or track and field knowledge and skills, should attend these camps. It is important for athletes to be as independent as they can, and to have the freedom to be independent along with their peers, in order to get the most out of our sports camp experience.
The camp promotes wheelchair awareness and provides other healthy recreational activities for kids with disabilities. Activities such as walking, or wheeling, around campus with their teammates to meals, other games, and movies are important for campers to participate in independently. Campers will enjoy traditional camp and recreation activities, along with improving daily living skills, sensory-motor-perceptual activities, strengthening activities, and hand-eye coordination skills.
The camp will show those that have been injured or born with a disability that they can be independent and productive in their community. One of our goals is to help increase the physical activity of all kids with disabilities. One of the keys to being independent for those who use wheelchairs is wheelchair mechanics. Playing wheelchair sports promotes this as well as discipline, team work and camaraderie. Those with a disability can be very productive in school, the work place, and their community and can contribute a great deal back to society. Encouragement and providing opportunities for physical activity is helpful for everyone. They have fewer alternatives for health promotion, and the UNI Sports Camp is one place that will open up opportunities that will last a life time. It also is a way that their family members will greatly benefit from the independence gained by those athletes.
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