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Adaptive Sports Programs for Medically Complex Kids

“Yes, you can,” parents and caregivers can tell medically complex kids. ‘Yes’ to playing baseball, soccer, golf, scuba—and a little downhill skiing when the season’s right.

PHS continually sees the psychological, physical, and emotional benefits of organized sports programs for PHS kids. Coaches and coordinators have unique training, expertise, and enthusiasm for working with medically-fragile kids. So, let’s play ball!

Here’s information about these Twin Cities area adaptive sports programs for medically complex kids:

Lucas Hagen, PHS patient, the west metro miracle league, adaptive baseballMiracle League Baseball

Summer days are brighter at a baseball field, so The Miracle League provides kids ages 3 – 19 of every ability opportunities to play baseball. There are special Miracle League fields and facilities in Blaine, Duluth, Lakeville, Mankato, Minnetonka, Rochester, St. Cloud, Woodbury, Lacrosse, Wisc., and Sioux Falls, S.D.

  • Register now. Sign up is now underway for Miracle League baseball, and there are early bird discounts available. Here’s how to register:
  • Adaptive baseball in the Twin Cities suburbs. PHS is a proud sponsor of Miracle Leagues across the metro.
  • Adaptive baseball in other towns. Find the Miracle League contact closest to you.

TOPSoccer MN

The rest of the world is crazy for “the beautiful game,” and it’s fun to try. TOPSoccer is geared to player development, rather than simply competition, for kids ages 8 and older. TOPSoccer places kids on teams according to ability, not age, to enhance each kids’ experience. Any child with nearly any disability is welcome in TOPSoccer.

Tana Wall, adaptive skiing, courage center, trollhaugenAdaptive skiing: Special package rate at Trollhaugen Ski Resort

Once there’s snow back on the ground, consider the adaptive ski program at Trollhaugen Ski Resort in Dresser, Wisc. It is available every day, yet since adaptive skiing is specialized, please call at least 14 days before you plan to visit so Trollhaugen can have the proper gear and staff members there for your skier.

Trollhaugen is extending an amazing package that really makes this an affordable option.

  • Contact Trollhaugen’s Larry LaBathe at 651-433-5141, 800-826-7166 or 715-755-2955

Courage Center also offers adaptive skiing at other area ski resorts

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute adaptive sports programs

Courage Kenny is likely the most recognizable place for adapted sports and recreation. Programs are tailored to fit kids and families, from pure fun to intense competition. In our area, their programs include:

Many of their wheelchair sports teams are national champs and many Courage Center athletes and coaches are nationally and internationally recognized.

Find more information on Courage Kenny adaptive sports and recreation

Which sports are your kids trying this spring? Which programs can you recommend? We’d like to hear about it. If you have photos of your kids in action, we’d love to see those, too.

Originally published: February 18, 2011

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