Aurora Public Schools

After 29 years, the Colorado Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp is rolling along smoother than ever.

This week, more than 120 children and nearly 200 volunteers gathered at Aurora Central High School for the annual event, which introduces disabled children in grades one through 12 to recreational and competitive wheelchair sports. Campers include children from the Denver metro area and even some who traveled from as far as Oklahoma and Minnesota.

“My favorite thing to do at camp is rugby!” one camper said.

Adult wheelchair athletes and other volunteers provide instruction in various activities, including basketball, tennis, archery, fencing, swimming, rugby, hand cycling and more.

Some campers wind up becoming counselors, which makes weeks like this even more special.

“I had so much fun and it felt so good to be around others who were disabled…I wanted to come back and show the kids what that’s like and support them,” one counselor said. “I want to really encourage the kids to stay active and have some fun!”

Another longtime volunteer and current APS teacher Craig Marshall said this is one of his favorite weeks of the year.

“It gives me a chance to give back to the community, especially through the sport of tennis, and see young children be passionate about what they do,” Marshall said.

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