Blind and deaf, Patrick has never let obstacles stop him from achieving his goals at the YMCA.
Adaptive Sports
The Y's Adaptive Programs provide access and belonging for ALL, including Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Dance, Swim Lessons, and Waterskiing.
In 2012, The YMCA of Greater Charlotte and Miracle League generously contributed to the creation of the YMCA Miracle League, which gives children with disabilities a chance to play baseball. We place children on teams of 10 to 12 baseball players for games that last approximately one hour.
The YMCA of Greater Charlotte's Miracle League Field is located at the Keith Family YMCA This custom-designed baseball complex hosts Charlotte's first completely wheelchair accessible surface that allows children of all abilities to take the field.
We offer several opportunities to partner and volunteer with the Keith Family YMCA Miracle League.
The Keith Family YMCA, in partnership with the Charlotte Hornets, offers non-competitive adaptive basketball for individuals with diverse abilities (Physical/ cognitive). Through basketball, participants enjoy the benefits of teamwork, skill-building, and socialization from playing sports.
During the 6-week season, players ages 10 and up participate in a skills assessment and Meet-the-Coach event. Athletes then play in 4 games, following a “practice-play” model that consists of a 30-minute practice, immediately followed by a 30-minute game.
In partnership with the Charlotte Hornets, the Keith Family YMCA offers adaptive cheerleading for individuals with diverse abilities. Participants come together as a team to learn cheers, broadcast enthusiasm, and sustain high energy for both athletes and onlookers.
Using a practice-play model, the Adaptive Cheerleading program consists of a 30-minute practice, immediately followed by a 30-minute game. It’s a great way for participants with physical/cognitive disabilities to rally together and offer support for Adaptive Sports.
The Keith Family YMCA, in partnership with the Charlotte Hornets, offers an adaptive dance team for individuals with diverse abilities (physical/cognitive). Distinct from a performing arts program, this dance team performs choreographed routines during Adaptive Basketball games.
The Adaptive Dance Team uses a “practice-play” model consisting of 30-minute practice, immediately followed by a 30-minute game. The Adaptive Dance program is a wonderful opportunity for creative expression, drawing on the skills and teamwork to support Adaptive Basketball games.
The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is dedicated to giving individuals with diverse abilities the opportunity to learn fundamental water safety and swimming skills in a safe environment. Knowing how to be safe around water is one of the most important life skills we can teach. It promotes confidence and can save lives.
The Keith Family YMCA offers beginner and intermediate adaptive classes with small group ratios that provide a safe and fun learning experience for individuals with diverse physical and cognitive abilities. Additionally, most centers offer private lessons that provide accommodations and support for the individual swimmer.
In partnership with Carolinas Rehabilitation, the Lake Norman YMCA provides an adaptive water skiing program for adults and children with disabilities. Through water skiing, participants gain the self-esteem and confidence that comes from being independent and away from the wheelchair.
The Y offers the only adaptive water skiing program in North Carolina, thanks to generous community support. Since it began, the program has grown significantly and now serves nearly 100 skiers weekly throughout the summer.
Since starting in 1996 as a partnership between the YMCA of Greater Charlotte and Atrium Health, the program has helped people of all ages appreciate that their disability is no handicap. Each summer, 85 or so skiers leave their wheelchairs at the shoreline and embrace the challenge found in the water. The skiers who use modified equipment weighted for stability (picture sitting on one giant ski) range from age 2½ to their 70s. Illness, accident, or wartime injuries have put a barrier in front of them.
Accessible playground
ALL-INCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES TO PLAY
Thanks to a generous donation from the Bill and Sharon Family Foundation, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte now provides an Adaptive Playground for ALL, no matter what ability level. Here’s what to expect when you visit this inclusive playground:
- Wide ramps for wheelchair and walker access
- Sensory play components
- A soft, rubberized ground
- A variety of play pieces FOR EVERY ABILITY LEVEL
Location
Keith Family YMCA
8100 Old Mallard Creek Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28262
704-716-6700
KeithYMCA@ymcacharlotte.org
Camp Boomerang™
AN INCLUSION-BASED CAMP FOR NEUROTYPICAL CHILDREN AND CHILDREN WITH DIVERSE ABILITIES
Adaptive Camp at Camp Boomerang™ immerses campers with diverse abilities into conventional summer day camp experiences at the Hemby Program Center. All campers participate side by side with other on-site camps in age-appropriate activities such as outdoor exploration, fishing, field sports, swimming, and arts and crafts. Teen campers participate in age-appropriate activities such as field trips, archery, and tower adventures.
Volunteer
Volunteering with the Y doesn’t just make the lives of others better, it changes yours, too.
Scholarship Application
We will never turn anyone away due to financial need; we are committed to being a Y for all.