Meet Tonie S., competing in adaptive sports

Meet Tonie C., age 17, a competitive athlete with the North Jersey Navigators, an adaptive sports team for children and teens funded by Kessler Foundation.
With her outgoing, competitive spirit, Tonie C. is a perfect fit for the Navigators. The team offers the opportunity for youth with disabilities to train and compete in sports on the local, national and international levels. Tonie, who has cerebral palsy, competes in swimming, archery and table tennis, but really loves the adrenaline rush of track and field. At the 2009 National Junior Disabilities Championships in St. Louis, she set a number of personal bests as one of 9 members of the team, which netted a total record of 123 medals (77 Gold, 30 Silver, 16 Bronze), set 16 new national records, and once again placed first in the large team category.

Speaking of her success, Tonie credited her coaches, who push me to the limit, which I love because Im very competitive. The opportunity to compete in sports is just part of her experience with the Navigators. Being a part of the team has been life-changing for Tonie, who felt forgotten and unnoticed because of her disability. Joining the Navigators gave her confidence to overcome her disability. My life has changed completely, Tonie said, I realized I could be something be athletic get out and do things

With support from Kessler Foundation, the North Jersey Navigators has enabled dozens of young athletes with physical disabilities to excel in sports while gaining the less tangible benefits of confidence, self esteem, and friendship. The Navigators is the best thing Ive ever found, Tonie concluded, and Im so glad to be a part of the team.

Kessler Foundation leads the way in linking science and grantsmanship so that people with disabilities can lead more productive, independent and fulfilling lives. For more information about Kessler Foundation, go to http://www.KesslerFoundation.org

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• Kessler
• Foundation
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• Center
• stroke
• sci
• tbi
• human
• performance
• neuropsychology

[Luciek69]

Great athlete.

I'm proud of you too ;)

[rcesta1]

My lil cousin. I'm so proud of you <3