In 2001, when physical therapists Tracey Fontenot and Kacey Wernli decided to offer a program that would allow children with disabilities access to a recreational sport. They had little idea what a need that they were fulfilling. Word quickly spread throughout the special needs community about a program called Kinetic Kids. Parents were very eager to enroll their children in programs such as soccer, t-ball, dance, gymnastics and golf.
These programs were much like those that you would find at a local YMCA. You would see parents beaming with pride while watching their kids learn how to swim, hit a ball in the outfield or cross the finish line. The only difference is that is each experience is customized to a child’s physical needs. You might have a group participating in their wheel chairs or walkers while another group needs help in following directions. Every child is given an opportunity based upon their individual need. Each class is staffed with specialists as well as volunteers from the community.
The mission of Kinetic Kids is to provide unique experiences through physical and creative activities in a supportive environment to children with special needs who may otherwise be excluded.
My daughter learned how to swim in a class taught by Kinetic Kids at St. Mary’s University. She can now be found swimming in the deep end of our neighborhood pool.
There are so many other examples of success with the programs that they are offering. Not only do their programs benefit the children but the parents are able to meet other families from various backgrounds. We share stories of success with our children.
No one is ever turned away because of a financial limitation.
(She has taken many classes including gymnastics)
And like thousands of other families that have had children participate in their programs, we are eternally grateful. You only have to spend a little bit of time with the staff, coaches and what seems like an endless supply of volunteers to discover that they truly love what they have created in Kinetic Kids.
They are now offering more than 80 different programs in all parts of San Antonio. With such growth comes a need in raising money to continue funding the existing programs as well as adding more in the future.
Hootenanny, Kinetic Kids biggest fund raiser of the year, is being held this Friday, October 11, 2013. Come dressed in your best country chic boots and bling. The Honorary Chair for the event is San Antonio Spurs player, Patty Mills.
And the emcee of the evening is the local favorite Chief Meteorologist Bill Taylor from KENS 5.
If you want to spend some time out on the town with some incredible people that are doing some amazing things in San Antonio, then purchase a ticket to the 2013 Kinetic Kids Hootenany. If you can’t make it, then consider making a donation. The services they provide are an invaluable part of our community.
For more information about the gala as well as the programs offered by Kinetic Kids, please visit their website.
Yeehaw! It’s a Hootenanny!
Stay Sassy Y’all.
Photos used from Kinetic Kids Facebook Page
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