How Adaptive Sports Can Open Doors
When Marina first learned about Kinetic Kids, her son Landen was still a toddler. Like many parents of children with physical challenges, she was searching for ways to help him stay active and feel included.
“We first learned about Kinetic Kids through his physical therapist,” says Marina Noonan, mother and caretaker. “Landen has an older brother who was very active in sports and we were excited about the possibility of getting him involved too.”
At first, Marina was unsure of what to expect but still hopeful that Landen would find a place to move, play and belong.
“We hoped he would find a way to be active and meet other kids similar to himself,” says Marina. “But I still had some initial concerns on how the other kids would interact with him.”
Those worries quickly faded as Landen was warmly welcomed by the other children and families in Kinetic Kids.
“Landen fit right in and had so many opportunities to try new things,” says Marina. “He had finally found a place where he could be active and we immediately began signing him up for activities.”
Around four years old, Landen competed in one of his first track meets. While the family didn’t fully understand how the kids were classified or how placements worked, Landen was simply there to have fun. Later, at practice, the coaches handed out medals from the previous meet.
“He ended up getting gold in every event he competed in,” says Marina. “The absolute surprise and joy on his face each time they announced his name is something I’ll never forget.”
That joy has carried Landen into bigger milestones. His cerebral palsy impacts his balance and riding a bike independently had always felt out of reach. At age 12, his bike still had training wheels. But Kinetic Kids offered an intensive program designed to teach children with disabilities how to ride independently in just one week.
“He participated in that program and in one week was riding all by himself,” says Marina. “Our family has been able to go on bike rides together and we owe all of our praise to Kinetic Kids.”
Over the past 12 years, Kinetic Kids has become far more than an extracurricular activity on the family calendar. It has become a community where Landen has grown physically, socially and emotionally.
“He has grown to love exercising, but even more so socializing with his friends and teammates,” says Marina. “He’s more confident and while he still competes, he’s also volunteering in support of the Kinetic Kids mission.”
Today, Landen is not just a participant, he’s a leader. He serves as one of the leaders on the track team and wheelchair basketball team, encouraging younger athletes who are just beginning their journey. For Landen, Kinetic Kids is about more than medals or competitions.
“Kinetic Kids has created a family-like connection that I am able to build with my teammates and coaches,” says Landen. “When I’m participating, I’m not only trying to help myself improve but I’m also helping my teammates improve as well.”
For families like the Noonans, Kinetic Kids represents more than adaptive sports. It is a place where courage is nurtured, confidence is built, joy is shared and community feels like family.
“Kinetic Kids has changed my life because I am able to make friends and participate in sports that I wouldn’t be able to otherwise,” says Landen. “Kinetic Kids has opened doors for me that I thought would never be opened.”
Key Takeaways:
- February is Recreation Therapy Month, a time to highlight how recreational, physical and occupational therapy play a powerful role in rehabilitation, wellness and connection.
- Founded in 2001, Kinetic Kids provides children with special needs a way to participate in adaptive sports and fine arts, empowering them to reach possibilities once unimaginable. Learn more about their mission and the services they provide here.
- At Warm Springs Foundation, we proudly support Kinetic Kids along with others in our Circle of Care who provide life-altering possibilities for those living with disabilities.