SPOKANE, Wash. — The 4 News Now Extreme Team is helping renovate a local organization that helps athletes connect with and excel in adaptive sports.
Just over a year ago, Parasport Spokane moved to what used to Mountain View Middle School near state-line.
Since 2013, the nonprofit supports over 200 athletes with disabilities, providing a space for them to train, compete and connect.
Mark Peterson and the 4 News Now Extreme Team are working to convert a former library into a rec room for Parasport athletes and their families to relax and connect between practices, games and races.
The organization is committed to inclusion. It says that no matter your age, background or ability, there is a place for you at Parasport.
“If you have a body, then you’re an athlete,” said Teresa Skinner, Executive Director of Parasport. “So many people out there don’t see themselves in athletics because of something that they perceive as holding them back, or they just didn’t know that any of this was possible.”
Currently, Parasport’s building houses training centers, a gym and a strength and conditioning room. In the future, it hopes to add a track for its athletes and the community to use. It offers sports like basketball, track and field, sled hockey and road racing.
Skinner said she is proud of her athletes, because it takes a lot of courage to walk in the doors try out a new sport.
“When we look at all the athletes that are involved in our program right now, it’s just a little over 200. 78% of them did not come willingly the first time,” she said. “So, it just takes a lot of love and encouragement from the whole community to get a lot of people to just come try it out.”
For 14-year-old Brooklyn, there was no hesitation.
“She started playing basketball and now she does track and field,” said Brooklyn’s mom, Allison Gossard. “She’s here several days a week doing training. She loves it and thrives in this environment.”
Gossard said she is grateful to the support Parasport provides her daughter.
“It’s literally like having a second set of parents for Brooke. [They’re] teaching her things that I might not have even thought about,” she said.
Watch 4 News Now at 6 p.m. on November 6 for the Extreme Team project reveal!
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