SPRINGFIELD – The next time you hear “Take me out to the ballgame,” a different image may come to mind—one that includes disabled children and adults from right here in Western Mass. That is because a generous $1,000 donation from the Red Sox Foundation has enabled CHD Disability Resources to purchase specialized equipment for sled hockey. Sled hockey is an adaptive version of ice hockey in which players with lower limb disabilities use a sled fitted with two ice hockey blades to play a fast and physical team sport. CHD sponsors the Western Mass Knights sled hockey program, with adult and under-18 teams.
“CHD Disability Resources is all about access and ability for kids, adults and families in Western Mass,” according to Kimberley A. Lee, VP Office of Advancement for CHD. “The specialized equipment required in adaptive sports programs is expensive, and the generosity of the Red Sox Foundation is enabling CHD Disability Resources to continue offering these sportsexperiences to children and adults with disabilities in our community. Team based sports like sled hockey and wheelchair basketball enable people with disabilities to get exercise, enjoy healthy competition, and be part of a team. These opportunities can be positively life changing. On behalf of our participants and their families, CHD wants to extend a big thank you to the Red Sox Foundation for helping more people get in the game.”
The new season of Western Mass Knights sled hockey has begun with practices on Sundays from 5:00pm to 7:00 p.m., at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield.
Disability Resources is dedicated to serving the needs of persons with disabilities and their families. The organization offers a wide range of programming including adaptive sports like sled hockey and wheelchair basketball, exercise programs like movement art and lap swimming, family activities including fishing and picnicking, and much more. Disability Resources is a nonprofit organization focused on western Massachusetts and every dollar of funding is raised through events, grants and generous members of the community. Disability Resources also receives funding from CHD.
Founded in 1972, Center for Human Development (CHD) is a nonprofit, CARF-accredited organization providing a broad range of high quality, community-oriented human services to 17,000 children, adolescents, adults, and families each year. The organization is dedicated to promoting, enhancing and protecting the dignity and welfare of people in need. www.chd.org
