Stephen Leek of Hyannisport used an adaptive recumbent cycle during the summer pilot program at Nickerson State Park. He’s accompanied by Keja MacEwan, SASC’s McGraw Center Manager, and Shaylah Bartlett, SASC Associate.
BREWSTER – The Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital’s new McGraw Center for Adaptive Sports will hold a special grand opening event at Nickerson State Park in Brewster Saturday.
The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The focus of the McGraw Center and the adaptive sports program is to improve access to recreational activities for people with physical or cognitive challenges, making sport a part of their rehabilitation and part of their lives.
“It’s primarily for the individual who needs some kind of change to continue being in that sport, or is interested in being introduced to it for the first time,” said Steve Katzenback, Adaptive Sports Coordinator.
During the grand opening event, those in attendance will have the chance to learn about, and try out, equipment that makes recreation attainable; adaptive cycling, kayaking, hiking and camping will be among the featured activities.
“It really gives the public an opportunity to see what we do in the moment, they can see the equipment, touch the equipment, they can sit on a cycle, take a little spin around; it really gives them a flavor of what we have to offer,” Katzenack said.
The event will also feature a barbeque lunch, a brief speaking program, and demonstrations of adaptive sports equipment.
Spaulding launched its first adaptive sports programs in Boston and Cape Cod in 2001, and are open to all individuals in the community who are living with disabilities. The opening of the McGraw will make adaptive sports available to those living in the lower and outer Cape.
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