Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital (CRH) celebrated the conclusion of the 40th annual Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp, following a week of adapted sports, new friendships and memorable experiences.
Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp, held July 21-25 at the UCSB Recreation Center, welcomed some 40 campers and more than 75 volunteers, all gathered to support and celebrate the power of inclusive recreation, CRH said.
Campers ages 6-21 participated in a variety of adapted sports and recreation activities, including wheelchair basketball, rugby, hand cycling, SCUBA diving, swimming, tennis, racquetball, fencing, pickleball, indoor rock climbing, and cardio drumming.
A number of campers experienced these sports for the first time, supported by trained coaches, counselors and volunteers, many who use wheelchairs themselves.
“Since its founding in 1986, the camp has been a beacon of opportunity for youth with all levels of physical disabilities,” CRH said.
Originally led by the city of Santa Barbara’s Adaptive Programs, the camp is now hosted by Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital. The only camp of its kind on the Central Coast, it draws participants from across the state.
“Throughout its 40-year history, the camp has introduced hundreds of young people to the joy of sports and movement in an environment built for their abilities and strengths,” CRH said said.
The program is offered free of charge to participants, thanks to funding from the Foundation for Cottage Rehabilitation & Goleta Valley Cottage Hospitals (FCR&GVCH), and community donations.
Many campers return year after year, with some eventually serving as volunteers, counselors or even coaches.
“This year, a mother told me her son wanted to try every single activity at camp,” said René Van Hoorn, manager of community programs and a recreation therapist at Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital.
“That kind of confidence is built over time,” said Van Hoorn, who has led the camp for the past 17 years. “This camp helps kids discover what they are capable of and reminds them that there are no limits to what they can achieve.”
One coach, Kyle McKittrick, was especially inspiring to children this year. A former CRH patient and now the camp’s rugby coach, McKittrick, who was introduced to the camp during his recovery, has returned in recent years to mentor young athletes and share his passion for adapted sports.
McKittrick’s story echoes that of Steve Pate, a former CRH patient and early camp counselor, who went on to win a gold medal with the U.S. Paralympic Rugby Team.
McKittrick has similar aspirations and admires the talent he sees in the young athletes who come to the camp.
“We’re going to see some of these campers on TV one day. They’re incredible athletes,” he said. “Thankfully, Cottage puts something on like this where we live; there’s nothing else going on like it.”
A 40th year celebration was held last Thursday with participation from FCR&GVCH Board members, highlighting the community support that sustains the program. Cottage Health CEO Scott Wester also visited the camp to talk with campers and see the program’s impact firsthand.
Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp’s purpose remains the same as when it was founded: to provide young people with physical disabilities the opportunity to build confidence, independence and community through active recreation.
Learn more about how to sustain the impactful work of the Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp by visiting cottagehealth.org/fcrgvch.