The Orthotic and Prosthetic Activities Foundation recently hosted First Climb and First Volley clinics for Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia.
The First Climb clinic, which was directed by Ronnie Dickson, CP, included more than 20 children with physical disabilities who learned adaptive rock climbing at Elite Climb in Maple Shade, N.J.
The second session of the day was a First Volley tennis clinic held at the Cherry Hill Health and Racquet Club in Cherry Hill, N.J. More than 30 people participated in the event, which included adaptive tennis lessons and drills.
“It was so rewarding for the children and the adults,” Monica Watson, a representative from Global Medical Relief Fund, stated. “People were so nice and welcoming to each person that walked in the door and did not see ‘different’ children, but greeted them with love.”
Carol MacLennan shows Malachi Stone the proper way to hold his racquet.
At front, Malachi Stone, bilateral transtibial and upper extremity amputee, listens to instructors as he prepares to take his first swing.
Images: Carter SM, O&P News.
Carol MacLennan, First Volley instructor coaches a child on adapted swing mechanics.
From left: Navin, Malachi, Shante and Curtis Stone smile for O&P News at OPAF’s First Volley clinic.
Images: Carter SM, O&P News.
OPAF First Volley players, volunteers and parents pose with Cherry Hill Health and Racquet Club staff at the clinic.
Image: Carter SM, O&P News.
An Elite Climbing Studio instructor guides Jim Concannon, a transtibial amputee, up the rock wall.
Tyler Carter, a U.S. Paralympian and transtibial amputee, demonstrates how to climb using upper-body strength.
Images: Carter SM, O&P News.
From left: Upper extremity amputee Ewan Kirby and his brother, Wielond, stop for O&P News before scaling their next wall.
OPAF climbers, volunteers and parents pose with Elite Climbing Studio Staff at the First Climb clinic.
Images: Carter SM, O&P News.
From left: Chase Linzey, Camille Enkenboll and Lilly Linzey take a moment for O&P News’ cameras during OPAF’s First Climb.
Lilly Linzey, an upper extremity amputee, smiles down at crowd as they cheer her up the wall.
Images: Carter SM, O&P News.
