Learning the ropes
Photos by DEVIN WEEKS/Press Crystal Teeters of Coeur d’Alene pops a volleyball into the air during a Specialized Needs Recreation Sports practice May 17 at Winton Elementary School. The new SNR Sports program is introducing participants to games and activities such as volleyball, soccer and golf in a non-competitive environment, reinforcing teamwork, sportsmanship and exercise.
Specialized Needs Recreation dad and coach Jim Kenney shows SNR participant Mark Pennestri where on his wrist to hit a volleyball during a practice May 17 at the Winton Elementary School gym.
Specialized Needs Recreation participant Zach Pugsley makes a splash April 14 during the 2018 FlowRider FLOW Tour competition at Silver Mountain Resort as a part of the new SNR Sports program, launched this spring. SNR Sports gives participants opportunities to explore different physical activities while learning sportsmanship and teamwork. (Courtesy photo)
Loud smacking sounds echoed throughout the Winton Elementary School gym as volleyballs popped off arms and bounced on the floor.
Jim Kenney, a coach with the new Specialized Needs Recreation Sports program, served the ball and patiently waited for its return, giving pointers to the participants who attended the May 17 practice.
"It’s just about working and teaching them and getting them learning," Kenney said. "The more you put into it, the more you get out of it. It is really fun. We've had a good time."
Sportsmanship, teamwork, courtesy and understanding the game are all priorities for SNR Sports, which launched this spring. The program gives youths and adults with disabilities opportunities to engage as athletes in a non-competitive environment while exploring a variety of physical activities.
The debut SNR Sports event was indoor surfing during the 2018 FlowRider FLOW Tour competition at Silver Mountain in April.
Jim's son, Adam, was one of the SNR Sports athletes who rode the waves.
"He’s all about sports," Jim said. "If it’s shooting baskets or shooting a ball or riding, he’s all about it."
Travis Anderson, the head SNR Sports coach, said this program really focuses on "facilitating healthy exercise through sports to give them additional learning opportunities" and gives SNR participants a chance "to get outside and sweat and be healthy."
"We want to give special needs people the same opportunity you and I had to participate in sports and recreation programs," he said. "This is a great way to do it."
SNR Sports has a rotating schedule. Volleyball ends soon, but soccer practice will go from June 11 to July 27, followed by flag football, golf and basketball later in the year.
"SNR is very excited about our new sports program," said SNR board director Jacki Fullerton. "It fills a gap that exists in our community for those who have a difficult time participating in typical sports programs. Many of our participants don't have the opportunity or access to sports once they are out of high school and the younger ones struggle to fit in to typical programs. Our new sports program is our answer to that."
Fullerton shared her appreciation to the volunteer coaches as well as those who contributed to SNR's successful Black Rock Fundraiser in April, which generated more than $100,000.
"Providing recreational opportunities is what SNR is about and this program is just another piece of that puzzle," she said. "It is a growing program and each year we hope to make it bigger and better with the help of the community through volunteerism, donations and facility donations. The sky is the limit for this program."
Registration for SNR Sports is $25 per activity. For registration and schedule information, visit www.snridaho.org/snr-sports.