Grantee Spotlight: Empower Sports – Inclusion Shouldn’t Stop at the Sidelines

For individuals with disabilities, the opportunity to participate in team sports, build meaningful relationships with teammates and develop confidence through athletics is not as widespread as they are for their typically developing peers. Empower Sports is here to provide that opportunity of fun and fitness, giving everyone the chance to make new friends and play the sports they love.

Operating across seven counties in Northeast Ohio, Empower Sports serves over 2,000 athletes annually with sporting events and exercise programs that allows every individual to feel included in the powerful world of athletics.

With nearly 60, multiweek programs throughout the year, the organization offers a diverse collection of teamwork-oriented opportunities that are designed to meet every athlete where they are. From the larger, scale team sports of basketball, softball and kickball, to the more individualized activities like pickleball and exercise classes – there is a place for every athlete regardless of skill or experience at Empower Sports.

Built to adapt to all ages and abilities, the programs at Empower Sports incorporate activities such as beginner-level drills, coordination development and full-team games for each athlete to get involved and feel pride in their efforts on the playing field.

While exercise is obviously an important part of leading a healthy life, Empower Sports has an impact on athletes that reaches far beyond breaking a sweat and practicing a jumpshot. Athletes and families will find a community of acceptance and encouragement, where life-long friendships have blossomed and a unique sense of belonging has grown.

At any Empower Sports session, you will undoubtedly find athletes running in to greet each other with big smiles and hugs, laughter echoing from coaches and players alike – all while parents and families meet members of this loving community on the sidelines. There is no shortage of positivity at these programs, all stemming from the excitement and joy our amazing athletes bring when they get to play sports with their friends!

Alongside our experienced coaches and staff, this non-profit has countless volunteers that provide guidance and encouragement that elevate each program to a thoughtful experience for every athlete. Whether it’s offering an hour of time or committing to a season of programs, volunteers are the heart and soul of Empower Sports that allows us to continue bringing new athletes onto the field every year.

For more about Empower Sports, program information and ways to get involved, visit https://www.empowersports.org/home.