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Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association (WASA)

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Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association (WASA)

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The Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association’s mission is: "To promote community collaboration of adaptive sports and recreation opportunities to those with physical disabilities and/or visual impairments in Wisconsin."

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Mission:

The Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association's (WASA) mission is: "To promote community collaboration of adaptive sports and recreation opportunities to those with physical disabilities and/or visual impairments in Wisconsin."

Adaptive Programs:

All of WASA's programs will provide opportunities for the recreational, intermediate, competitive, & elite athlete.

Join the WASA mission!

Be an Athlete

Our athletes are our pride an joy. We have many amazing disabled athletes playing on WASA teams and going to competitions all over the country! We welcome athletes of any skill level to jump in and try any of our sports. Check out the calendar now and feel free to visit!

Be a Sponsor

We love our sponsors and are happy to partner with any organization that believes in our mission! Let's get creative and see how we can create a win-win partnership. Contact us now for sponsorship information.

Be a Volunteer

We are always looking for amazing volunteers! Email us for more information about volunteering opportunities.

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Mission: The Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association's (WASA) mission is: "To promote community collaboration of adaptive sports and recreation opportunities to those with physical disabilities and/or visual impairments in Wisconsin." Adaptive Programs: All of WASA's programs will provide opportunities for the recreational, intermediate, competitive, & elite athlete. Join the WASA mission!

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TOP Soccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer)

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TOP Soccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer)

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TOPSoccer is a community-based training and team program for youth athletes with disabilities.

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Program Administrator
Meghan Ward
414.328.9972, ext 103

What is TOPSoccer?
TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based training and team program for youth athletes with disabilities. TOPSoccer programming in Wisconsin is organized by volunteers. TOPS is designed to provide an opportunity of socialization, learning, and physical activity to any boy or girl, typically ages 5-19, who has a cognitive or physical disability. Please visit the USYS TOPSoccer page for a comprehensive outline of TOPSoccer.

How do I join?
Wisconsin has TOPS locations across the state. The local programs are run autonomously with support from WYSA. If you're looking for more information about TOPSoccer, trying to decide if TOPSoccer is a good fit, or looking for a local program, contact Meghan Ward. If you have questions about a specific location, you can contact the program lead directly using the information below.

How do I become a Buddy?
TOPSoccer is always on the lookout for Buddies! TOPS would not be possible without the support from our fantastic Buddies. A Buddy does not need any prior experience in soccer or in helping special needs kids. Find the location that best suits you and contact the program lead to see if there is anything you need to do prior to attending your first session. To help you prepare, we recommend watching the below TOPS Buddy videos, it'll take about 20 minutes total.

Can I start a TOPSoccer Program?
Of course! TOPS is growing at an incredible rate in Wisconsin. If you are thinking about starting a program or have any questions, contact Meghan Ward. Additionally, the Midwest Region created a series called TOPS In A Box to answer FAQs and ease the start up process.

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Program Administrator Meghan Ward 414.328.9972, ext 103 What is TOPSoccer? TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based training and team program for youth athletes with disabilities. TOPSoccer programming in Wisconsin is organized by volunteers. TOPS is designed to provide an opportunity of socialization, learning, and physical activity to any boy or girl, typically ages 5-19, who has a cognitive or physical disability.

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This sled hockey program is for both girls and boys interested in

playing sled hockey. Sled Hockey is a type of ice hockey where players sit in adaptive sleds and propel themselves up and down the ice with sticks.

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Southern Wisconsin Sled Hockey is home of the Wisconsin Skeeters and the Wisconsin Sting serving Southern Wisconsin including Madison, Verona, Sun Prairie, Middleton, Janesville and surrounding areas.

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The Challenger League is a flag football program for special needs children.  It's offered to girls and boys ages 6 to 18 with a cognitive, social or physical disability.

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Fox Valley Pop Warner Football, Inc. started our Challenger League in 2006. The Challenger League is a flag football program for special needs children. The goal of the program is to provide a fun-filled and positive experience for special needs children. It's offered to girls and boys ages 6 to 18 with a cognitive, social or physical disability. Games are non-contact Flag Football and are non-competitive. Parents can assist their child or ask for a volunteer buddy to assist their child.

The Challenger League provides special needs children the opportunity to play the great game of football.

The program is free of charge (all costs are covered by Fox Valley Pop Warner Football, Inc.)
We want to give all children the opportunity to play the great game of football. Please join us this season!

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Fox Valley Pop Warner Football, Inc. started our Challenger League in 2006. The Challenger League is a flag football program for special needs children. The goal of the program is to provide a fun-filled and positive experience for special needs children. It's offered to girls and boys ages 6 to 18 with a cognitive, social or physical disability.

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Adaptive Sportsmen provide hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreational opportunities for people with disabilities.

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Progress with the Covid-19 Pandemic response and vaccinations continues to improve, but we can not guarantee all programs or events at this time. Please check with the event coordinators for news on the specific event.
Action Track Chair

There are many places to get a track chair to use for hunting or other outdoor adventures. You can contact the following people for information and to sign up to use a track chair this year.

Wings Over Wisconsin call: Larry Luedtke in Eden 920-960-7986, William Burdahn in Mayville 920-948-0926, Carrie Ingish in Lacrosse 608-519-5516, and Heath Kersten in Green Bay 920-655-8687

Access Ability Wisconsin Contact by email to AAW@accessabilitywi.org or call 608-886-9388

Jeff Pagels has done some research on disabled hunting opportunities in the US. Click here to see his article

Hunting - Fishing - Boating - Outdoor Recreational Activities

These are some of the ways that we help physically challenged people enjoy the benefits of living in Wisconsin.

If you know of a person who should be honored for their service to our organization and members, send me a note with a picture and several paragraphs about their efforts and we will try to get them some recognition for their hard work and selflessness.

Mail to: Adaptive Sportsmen, 8727 W. Coldspring Road, Greenfield, WI 53228

Able bodied and disabled people are encouraged to join. Sign up online now: Check out the Volunteer Information or Calendar of Events for all of our events, including:Archery events for both able and physically challenged archers, from March to September. Including;
Membership Application .

Check out the for other disabled groups, companies, resorts and lodging that cater to the needs
of disabled people.

Our Hunters Stories tell how physically challenged hunters overcome many obstacles to enjoy the recreational opportunities that Wisconsin has to offer.

Check out the Newsletters for past newsletters and other articles.Check out the of our members
and events held by Adaptive Sportsmen.

- Spring and summer ATV rides for physically challenged persons .
-Spring turkey hunt in Baraboo.
-Summer fishing opportunities.
-Fall deer hunting events
-Fall pheasant hunting events.
-Fall waterfowl hunting opportunities.

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Adaptive Sportsmen Inc. providing outdoor recreational activities to physically challenged people

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Progress with the Covid-19 Pandemic response and vaccinations continues to improve, but we can not guarantee all programs or events at this time. Please check with the event coordinators for news on the specific event. Action Track Chair There are many places to get a track chair to use for hunting or other outdoor adventures.

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mTT exists to provide the support for people with diverse abilities to come together in training, racing and social events with the aim to address social isolation through a teamwork approach of endurance athletics.

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PROGRAMS & PROJECTS .

We create community. mTT exists to provide the support for people with diverse abilities to come together in training, racing and social events with the aim to address social isolation through a teamwork approach of endurance athletics.

Training

Runs

From April through October, each of our eight regions host weekly inclusive training events whereby Captains and Angels come together to run, bike or swim and most importantly , build relationships.

Inclusive Racing Events

Social Connection

Training and racing is just the beginning. Our aim is to encourage Captains and Angels to connect outside of racing to further their relationship.

Service Members

Youth

Special

A TEAM FOR

ANYBODY AND

EVERYBODY .

Events

Outreach

Through our Operation Guardian Angel program, active and veteran service members can join mTT as an Angel or Captain free and fully sponsored! LEARN MORE

Captains

Angels

Volunteers and Crew

Donors and Sponsors

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PROGRAMS & PROJECTS . We create community. mTT exists to provide the support for people with diverse abilities to come together in training, racing and social events with the aim to address social isolation through a teamwork approach of endurance athletics.

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Open swim and private swim instruction for children with special needs is available at Fox Cities YMCAs.

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Our sports leagues turn a child's excitement and passion for sports into a healthy, positive outlet for them to gain new skills, develop a sense of team and connect with positive role models.
LEARN MORE

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YMCA of the Fox Cities | YMCA of the Fox Cities

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Our sports leagues turn a child's excitement and passion for sports into a healthy, positive outlet for them to gain new skills, develop a sense of team and connect with positive role models. LEARN MORE

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Heaven’s Gait Ranch is a nonprofit, therapeutic riding center whose mission is to build a compassionate community that embraces individuals who recognize the need to heal and challenge their adversity to grow.

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Heaven's Gait Ranch, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that was founded under the guidance of our Christian values, was built with the support of our generous donors, and is nurtured today with the time and talents of our dedicated volunteers. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our programs, as we look forward to sharing this special place with you.

As a Member Center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International,
Heaven's Gait Ranch, Inc. is also a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This means that while we provide quality services under the highest standards of our industry, we also strive to make these services accessible to those in need.

Summer 2021 Session 1:
M-Th, June 1 - June 30
starting Tuesday after Memorial Day

Summer 2021 Session 2:
July 12 - August 26

Fall 2021 Session 1:
September 13 - November 18

Fall 2021 Encore:
November 30 - December 17

*For the health & safety of our family & yours,
p lease read our COVID-19 Response Policies updated 03/08/21
to learn the flow of what you'll need to know
before you come back to the barn.

Contact Margaret Robertson
at 920-917-7102
for program & volunteer scheduling.

Contact Margaret Mary McClaren
at 920-400-0628
for all other inquiries.

Thank you for your constant prayers and commitment to kindness.
You have made our mission possible thus far,
and we know that your faith and continued support will give us the courage and strength we need to "walk on" together.

Interested in Supporting HGR?
Read our Winter 2020 Newsletter & Appeal to learn how you can help.

Text to Give: (920) 315-7551
Keyword: horses

Photo Credit: HGR U.S. Veteran & Volunteer, Gail Morrissey

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Heavens Gait Ranch - New Therapeutic Riding Facility coming to Cedar Grove, WI

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Heaven's Gait Ranch, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that was founded under the guidance of our Christian values, was built with the support of our generous donors, and is nurtured today with the time and talents of our dedicated volunteers.

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Milwaukee Ballet have expanded Tour de Force to include a multi-level program to allow more children with a range of abilities to try ballet for the first time.

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Now in its 6th year, we have expanded Tour de Force to include a multi-level program to allow more children with a range of abilities to try ballet for the first time. Together, with our Company and MBII dancers and the help of Children's Hospital, we have seen how ballet can transform these young lives.

For more information, contact Alyson Chavez at achavez@milwaukeeballet.org

Click here to learn more about the program!
With gratitude, Tour de Force is supported by Heil Family Foundation.

LES PETITES (THE LITTLES) - 5 STUDENTS (NOT AGE SPECIFIC)

This class consists of children with very involved needs. They are dependent for cares and transfers. They may or may not have head control. This is a slow movement or stretching class, and children are paired with a physical or occupational therapist, and a dancer from the Milwaukee Ballet. Class is conducted out of the child's wheelchair with the use of floor mats, wedges, benches or bolsters to achieve the appropriate alignment and comfort for the child while addressing the goals of the class.

LES ÉLÈVES (THE STUDENTS) - 10 STUDENTS

This is a class for elementary aged children (both cognitively and actually - approximately 6-9 years old, 1st-4th grade) to stretch and learn the basics of ballet both on the floor and at the barre. These children must have head control, but may require use of wheelchairs, walkers or crutches for mobility aides. They may require Orthotics and it is up to the child if they would like to wear them during class. These children are paired with a physical or occupational therapist or a therapy student, as well as a dancer from the Milwaukee Ballet, based on their needs.

LES SUJETS (THE SOLOISTS) - 12 STUDENTS

This class is for children ages 5-7 (Kindergarten through 2nd grade) who are independent walkers. They may use braces/Orthotics to aid in their walking or require a hand held for higher level balance tasks. These children learn ballet stretches, and do both work at the barre and center or across the room. They are paired with another child in the class and a helper. Helpers in the class are either therapy students or our dancers. One physical or occupational therapist is also present at each class to provide assistance as necessary.

GLISSADE (GLISSADE IS A BALLET TERM THAT MEANS TO GLIDE) - 6 STUDENTS

This class is for upper elementary school and middle school aged children who use a wheelchair as a primary means of mobility. They are able to move their wheelchair on their own and are interested in learning dance moves while remaining sitting in their chair. Children should be open and willing to try new things. One physical or occupational therapist will be present in the class to provide assistance to the dance instructor as necessary.

How did Tour de Force come about?

The program was the brainchild of Dr. Maya Evans, MD, Director of Pediatrics, Physical Medicine & Rehab at Children's Hospital. We imagined if these children who have a range of disabilities could see that dancers have a very strict training regimen, and they weren't the only ones in the world who had to push their bodies on a daily basis, they would be motivated to stretch and do their exercises more often.

"Our goal was to create a supportive environment where the children could try ballet classes in a format that made them feel empowered rather than excluded," Alyson Chavez, Director of Community Engagement.

How does Tour de Force empower these children?

The benefits are far greater and the rewards much bigger than we ever imagined. These children are doing ballet, stretching, growing and changing!

Diane Feldt, a physical therapist for Children's Hospital and mother of an eight-year-old daughter in the program, said, "When Anna actively flexed her knees and performed a plié, I cried tears of joy. She 'got' it. It is nothing short of amazing."

Our dancers are inspired to keep pushing themselves as they see their ballet buddies making weekly progress - lifting their torsos, responding to touch and direction, standing in "relevé," walking, jumping and holding their arms in fifth position with less assistance or none at all.

What makes Tour de Force so special?

At the end of their 5-week session, the children and their families enjoy a family-friendly Milwaukee Ballet performance where they see 'their' dancer on stage!

We named the program Tour de Force because we see each of our young dancers take big steps, leaps, and strides in every class! In the short time since Tour de Force began, the program has won a Eureka! Award from the Milwaukee Business Journal for Innovation in the Performing Arts, and has been featured on CBS 58 Sunday Morning and an Emmy-nominated episode of Milwaukee PBS's The Arts Page.

Together we are all doing something neither organization - Children's Hospital of Wisconsin nor Milwaukee Ballet - could do alone. We'll continue to inspire and be inspired!

Accessible Art

"The art of ballet had always seemed too exclusive for our family to be a part of. As we learn about their programs and have been invited to be a part of their extended group, we have met a group of wonderful, talented and accepting people." -Luisana Waukau, mother of Wally, student in Tour de Force

Support Us

Help support Tour de Force and our other Community Engagement Programs.

Donate

Discover More

Supporters of Milwaukee Ballet deserve a standing ovation for their lasting impact on both the company and our community.

Learn More

Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy provides an encouraging environment where all ages are invited to find and refine their artistry.

Learn More

As one of the top ballet companies in the nation, our captivating shows are brought to life by the most talented dancers in the world.

Learn More

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Now in its 6th year, we have expanded Tour de Force to include a multi-level program to allow more children with a range of abilities to try ballet for the first time. Together, with our Company and MBII dancers and the help of Children's Hospital, we have seen how ballet can transform these young lives.

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iCan Shine provides quality learning opportunities in recreational activities for individuals with disabilities. By creating an environment where each person is empowered to maximize their individual abilities, everyone can shine!

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iCan Shine provides quality learning opportunities in recreational activities for individuals with disabilities. By creating an environment where each person is empowered to maximize their individual abilities, everyone can shine!

Who We Are

iCan Shine is an international charitable nonprofit organization. We collaborate with local organizations and individuals, our program 'hosts', to conduct over 100 five-day 'iCan' programs in 35 States and Canada serving nearly 3,000 people with disabilities each year.

Our organization began in 2007. Since then, we have successfully taught approximately 20,000 people with disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle. The impact of learning to ride a bicycle independently, and our high level of success in helping people with disabilities accomplish this feat, continues to drive demand for our iCan Bike program.

Approximately 80% of the people who participate in our iCan Bike program learn to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle independently (at least 75 feet with no assistance) by the end of our five-day program while attending for only 75 minutes each day! The remaining 20% make tremendous progress towards this goal and leave our programs accompanied by family members trained as 'spotters' to pick up at home where we leave off!

More recently, we introduced our iCan Swim and iCan Dance programs. These programs have been quite successful and demand for them is growing steadily. Our swim and dance programs have been a welcomed addition to our flagship bike program.

Tri-fold Brochures:

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Bike, Swim & Dance Camps | Everyone Can Shine | iCan Shine, Inc.

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iCan Shine provides quality learning opportunities in recreational activities for individuals with disabilities. By creating an environment where each person is empowered to maximize their individual abilities, everyone can shine! iCan Shine is an international charitable nonprofit organization.

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Miracle League provides an opportunity for children of all ability levels to participate in baseball.

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*Provide opportunities for children with disabilities to play Miracle League baseball, regardless of their abilities.

*Promote community support and sponsorship of Miracle Leagues.

*Promote the construction of special facilities that meet the unique needs of Miracle League players and their families.
We cannot change or cure the medical issues life has dealt children with disabilities. What we can do is provide them with an opportunity to experience the joy and benefits that come from playing our National pastime-baseball .
"Every Child Deserves A Chance to Play Baseball."

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Provide opportunities for children with disabilities to play Miracle League baseball, regardless of their abilities. *Promote community support and sponsorship of Miracle Leagues. *Promote the construction of special facilities that meet the unique needs of Miracle League players and their families. We cannot change or cure the medical issues life has dealt children with disabilities.

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Special Olympics Wisconsin provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 18 Olympic-type sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities 8 years of age or older.

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Special Olympics Wisconsin provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 18 Olympic-type sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities 8 years of age or older. Athletes train in their sport, compete at an area level and may progress to the state level of competition.

**IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT**

Special Olympics Wisconsin is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of our athletes, volunteers, coaches, officials, staff, and all that contribute to the success of our athletes in training and events. We have implemented a Return to Play plan in accordance with Wisconsin Department of Health Services data to determine phasing of practices and in-person competition. SOWI is currently in Phase 1 - Small Group Activities.
Return to Play Information
Sports Seasons

There are five sports seasons for Special Olympics Wisconsin. Choose from a season below for competition forms, rules and sporting events.

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Special Olympics Wisconsin provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 18 Olympic-type sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities 8 years of age or older. Athletes train in their sport, compete at an area level and may progress to the state level of competition.