Bringing adaptive sports to the Bronx
By Agnieszka Cain, MBA
Before medical school, I used to volunteer at the Achilles Track Club, an organization that brings together able-bodied volunteers and disabled runners through athletic training and competitions. I found it exciting to share my passion for sports with adaptive athletes as we ran, walked or cycled laps around Central Park. Through our conversations, I learned more about rehabilitation, the journey to recovery, and the role of sports in helping to overcome physical obstacles. The experience was meaningful and inspiring. It also left me with lasting friendships and a desire to pursue a career in PM&R.
For these reasons, I was especially eager to become involved in the adaptive sports event organized by the Montefiore Medical Center in collaboration with the NYC Parks Department and the Wheelchair Sports Federation. I leapt at the chance to combine my interests in sports medicine and rehabilitation by assisting physically-impaired Bronx residents.
April 1st was a cold, windy day, but this did not deter nearly forty volunteers from several medical and physical therapy programs from showing up to lend a hand. Most of us were ill-prepared for the cold weather, but that just motivated us to move more and keep ourselves busy. Though at times the set-up was chaotic, it all came together before we welcomed our first registrant. The event gathered approximately 30 participants, including Montefiore Medical Center’s patients, AXIS project’s basketball participants, Bronx VA patients, and local Bronx community residents, all of whom were eager to learn more about adaptive sports.
Over several hours spent together, I had the opportunity to speak with many of the participants. It was both rewarding to hear their words of appreciation and humbling to learn about the challenges they face on a daily basis. Many of them have never had exposure to adaptive sports and had limited knowledge of the local options available to them. One woman spoke about her financial struggle and mentioned that she would much rather walk with a cane than use a wheelchair, but is currently unable to spare $30 to purchase one. Another participant discussed how much he enjoyed playing wheelchair basketball. Unfortunately, he would never be able to afford the sports-adapted wheelchair, which was not covered by his health insurance. These barriers to physical activity differed considerably from those of the adaptive athletes I ran with in Central Park years before.
This experience made me realize how important such events are to the local community. The resources and guidance provided are imperative to helping the physically disabled become more active. Additionally, these individuals are further empowered towards independence.
The event was a success and News 12, a local cable news network, provided coverage of the day. We are hopeful that Montefiore will continue to organize similar events in the future.
Agnieszka Cain, MBA, is a third year medical student at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
