Parks and Recreation invites children aged five and up to sign for the new All-Abilities Playmakers sports program for children with and without disabilities. Kids of all abilities will be coached in the basics of baseball, backyard games, basketball, tennis and more—plus, they’ll get a chance to soar on the High Ropes Course. The registration fee includes coaching, equipment, team jersey and player and team pictures.
All-Abilities Playmakers is based on the principles of inclusive play—which encourages children of all abilities, ethnic backgrounds, ages and other differences to play together. Diversity is respected and valued and the program seeks to remove barriers to active play and offer equal access to all children. Active games help kids with and without disabilities learn about sharing, cooperating, empathy and resilience. In addition, typically developing children benefit from getting to know children with disabilities. Playmakers will become confident in making friends with peers of all abilities and adapting activities in real time—useful skills in today’s inclusive world!
All-Abilities Playmakers meets Thursdays in McCormick Park, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., September 11 through October 16. The registration fee is $40, or $32 with the CityCard resident discount. Siblings and friends are encouraged to register. Parents are welcome to join the fun, or drop their kids for an afternoon of play. For a detailed schedule and more information, please visit www.missoulaparks.org. For questions about the program and individual programming needs, please call Outdoor Recreation Specialist Meg Rogosienski at 552-6255. Families are also cordially invited to join us at the Silver Summit All-Abilities Playground grand opening celebration on Friday, October 3, at 4 p.m. in McCormick Park.
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