CAF ANNOUNCES SPONSORSHIP OF THE NATIONAL JUNIOR DISABILITY CHAMPIONSHIPS (NJDC)
Event features multiple clinics with training from top coaches
San Diego, CA (April 27, 2015) – The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) is proud to announce their sponsorship of the 2015 National Junior Disability Championships (NJDC), running from July 18 – July 24 in northern New Jersey. Included in their sponsorship are a two-day Wheelchair Track Clinic and a Paralympic Track & Field Coaching Clinic. Through this partnership, CAF will continue its mission to be a world leader in providing athletic opportunities for individuals with physical challenges. The clinics will be free to all invited athletes, coaches and parents attending the 2015 NJDC.
“Sponsoring the NJDC is another great platform to support our young athletes and provide them with every tool needed to grow into the athlete they want to become. We are excited to enhance our partnership with the NJDC and help individuals with physical challenges see what’s possible through sports.” says Carolyn Odom, CAF’s Director of Programs.
CAF has provided competition expenses for over 20 young athletes to attend the NJDC this year alone, with dozens more receiving grants for equipment or coaching/training. Held prior to the games, the wheelchair track clinic is a unique opportunity to give athletes the advanced skills and training they need to excel in the sport. Adam Bleakney, Univ. of Illinois Wheelchair Track Head Coach, will be the main instructor with goals to introduce the athletes to a variety of drills and concepts.
Cathy Sellers, High Performance Director for USA Paralympic Track & Field, will hold “Training Modifications for Paralympic Track & Field – A Clinic for Coaches/Parents”. Parents and coaches of young athletes will be given the opportunity to discuss their concerns and triumphs in an open forum while being given the tools necessary for their children to achieve high levels of success in sport.
The NJDC provides national level competitive opportunities for junior athletes with a physical challenge or visual impairment, ages 7 to 22. The sports that will be contested at the 2015 NJDC include track, field, pentathlon, swimming, powerlifting and archery. Competitions are judged by USA Track & Field, USA Swimming, and International Paralympic Committee officials. They are anticipating the participation of 200-250 athletes along with family, friends, coaches and officials.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Children’s Specialized Hospital is the presenting sponsor and host of this national event. As the nation’s largest provider of pediatric rehabilitation services, and having hosted the games in the past, Children’s Specialized Hospital is honored to have been chosen as this year’s host. Additional sponsors include Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Wheelchair and Ambulatory Sports, USA.
More information on how to apply to the clinic:
Athletes that would like to attend this clinic need to complete an on-line application on the NJDC2015NJ website, www.NJDC2015NJ.com . Click the left side tab for CLINIC and the button for the APPLICATION is at the top center of the page. Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first processed basis and the goal is to respond to each application within two-three weeks. In order to provide the best learning environment, the number of attendees will be limited, so submit applications as soon as possible, if interested.
About the Challenged Athletes Foundation
The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) is a world leader in helping people with physical challenges lead active, healthy lifestyles. CAF believes that participation in physical activity at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. Since 1994, more than $64 million has been raised and over 11,000 funding requests from people with physical challenges in all 50 states and dozens of countries have been satisfied. Additionally, CAF’s outreach efforts reach another 60,000 individuals each year. Whether it’s a $2,500 grant for a handcycle, helping underwrite a carbon fiber running foot not covered by insurance, or arranging enthusiastic encouragement from a mentor who has triumphed over a similar challenge, CAF’s mission is clear: give opportunities and support to those with the desire to live active, athletic lifestyles. To learn more, visit challengedathletes.org or call 858-866-0959.