More than 25 athletes came together for an exciting day of adaptive sport at a recent CAF-Northeast Clinic hosted by Riverdale Country School, participating in wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and swimming while connecting with coaches, volunteers, and fellow athletes from across the region. 

The clinic provided athletes of all ages and experience levels the opportunity to try new sports, develop skills, and experience the power of community that makes adaptive athletics so impactful. 

Learning from Leaders in Adaptive Sport

Leading the day was Paralympian Robert Rodriguez, who coached and participated across all three sports sessions. Athletes also learned from an exceptional coaching team that included Chris Bacon, Executive Director and Head Coach of the New York Rolling Fury, along with Brian Fallon of AquaTerra Coaching and swim coaches Valerie Farber and Isabel Meisner. 

A highlight of the day was the strong turnout from members of the New York Rolling Fury, who joined the wheelchair basketball session and helped create an energetic and welcoming environment on the court. Their presence gave athletes the opportunity to learn alongside experienced players and see firsthand what continued participation in adaptive sport can look like. 

A Surprise Visit from the NBA

The excitement continued when Brooklyn Nets center Danny Wolf made a surprise appearance during the wheelchair basketball session. Athletes were thrilled to meet the NBA player, who spent time connecting with participants and supporting the clinic’s mission of expanding access to sport. 

Powered by the CAF Community

The event was also made possible by the incredible support of volunteers from the Riverdale CAF Club. Throughout the day, club members assisted with setup, breakdown, and athlete support across all activities. Several volunteers even jumped into wheelchairs themselves during the basketball session, gaining a deeper appreciation for the skill, strategy, and athleticism required to compete. 

Athletes Embracing Every Opportunity

Among the many inspiring athletes in attendance was 7-year-old Colin Witte. First introduced to CAF during a Devils Youth Foundation sled hockey clinic earlier this year, Colin has continued to show up and embrace every opportunity available to him. At this clinic, he eagerly participated in every sport offered throughout the day, demonstrating the curiosity, determination, and enthusiasm that embody the CAF spirit. 

Another standout athlete was Janice Clarke, who joined the swimming session as a visually impaired athlete. According to coach Valerie Farber, Janice quickly absorbed new skills and made tremendous progress throughout the session. By the end of the day, her confidence and ability in the water had grown significantly, highlighting the transformative impact that access to coaching and adaptive sport can provide. 

Building Confidence Beyond the Clinic

Beyond the individual achievements, the clinic showcased what makes the CAF community so special: athletes supporting athletes, experienced coaches sharing their expertise, volunteers stepping up wherever needed, and participants discovering new possibilities through sport. 

As CAF continues to expand opportunities throughout the Northeast and beyond, events like these demonstrate the life-changing power of sport to build confidence, foster independence, and create meaningful connections that extend far beyond a single day of competition and training.