Hamilton School District has announced the launch of the Southeastern Wisconsin Adaptive Sports League. The league was established to ensure high school students with disabilities have the same opportunities as other students who participate in quality competitive sports programs.
“Launching the adaptive sports league here at Hamilton is about more than athletics,” shares Athletics and Activities Director Jeff Newcomer. “It’s about opportunity, inclusion and community.”
Southeastern Wisconsin Adaptive Sports League is a partnership between Hamilton School District and the Oak Creek-Franklin School District. The goal is to grow the league, eventually welcoming other local districts to participate.
Assistant Superintendent of Special Services John Peterson points to the many great benefits of participating in high school athletics. “I want our students with disabilities to experience these same benefits such as having classmates and friends cheer you on, improving and growing your athletic skills, working towards and achieving goals, showing a willingness to make sacrifices and being a part of something bigger than yourself.”
The Southeastern Wisconsin Adaptive Sports League is currently recruiting athletes to participate in three different sports seasons:
- Indoor soccer in fall
- Bowling in winter
- Indoor baseball in spring
“Every student deserves the chance to experience the pride of putting on a Charger uniform and representing their school and community,” adds Newcomer. “This league will not only promote physical and mental wellness for our students, but it will also strengthen the culture of acceptance and unity across the district. We are proud to be a district that is leading this wonderful initiative and we are excited to see the league grow.”
Hamilton welcomes Southeastern Wisconsin Adaptive Sports League Head Soccer Coach Roni Andrew, who has 20 years of experience leading adaptive youth sports in the area. She is a resident of the Hamilton School District and also the founder and president of We Are Boundless, a non-profit to support adapted sport programming. The district is also excited to welcome Melissa Kappeler as assistant soccer coach for the Southeastern Wisconsin Adaptive Sports League. Kappeler is a licensed special education teacher and classroom teacher. She currently serves as an educational assistant at Marcy Elementary School.
If you would like to learn more about the Southeastern Wisconsin Adaptive Sports League, you are invited to attend a team meeting for parents and players on Tuesday, September 9 from 6-6:30 p.m. in the Hamilton High School gymnasium. If you have additional questions, please reach out to Assistant Superintendent of Special Services John Peterson at petejo@hamilton.k12.wi.us.
“Our goal is to provide the same benefits of competitive sports to our students with disabilities who would not otherwise be able to participate in high school level sports, even with accommodations,” explains Peterson. “We are grateful for our partnership with the Oak Creek-Franklin School District and are hopeful that other area school districts are willing to join as early as this winter.”