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Top Hand Foundation presents adaptive sports pilot for children with disabilities; seeks volunteers and participants
Summary
A doctoral occupational‑therapy student and Top Hand Foundation proposed a four‑week adaptive sports pilot for children with disabilities to run March–April, offering volunteer roles, sponsorship opportunities and educational resources for families.
Haley Mumal, an occupational‑therapy doctoral student working with Top Hand Foundation, presented a proposal on March 10 to launch an adaptive sports program for children with disabilities in the Emporia/Greensville community.
Mumal described adaptive sports as modified activities that allow children of differing abilities to participate safely; she cited literature showing higher rates of social isolation, anxiety, depression and lower physical activity among children with disabilities, and noted local gaps in access — she said the nearest comparable program is about an hour away in South Hill. The program aims to provide a four‑week pilot on Monday evenings from 5:30 to 7:00 starting in March and running into April.
Program features and needs: Mumal said the pilot will include athlete sign‑ups, volunteer “friends” (peer supports), coaches, equipment and operations volunteers, and educational handouts for families. The team plans to use parentguidance.org materials and provide mental health and diagnostic resources. Mumal asked the board and community to help spread the word and offered QR codes and contact information for registration, volunteer sign‑up and sponsorship.
Why it matters: Local adaptive sports can increase physical activity, social inclusion and peer support for children with disabilities and provide family engagement and volunteer development opportunities for the community.
Board response: Board members thanked the presenter and applauded the initiative. Mumal said anyone who can attend one week of the four‑week pilot is welcome to volunteer and that organizers will accept sponsors and help publicize the program.
Ending: Mumal offered to share reference materials and links to demonstration videos and asked interested community members to contact Top Hand or scan the provided QR codes to register athletes or volunteers.
