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Sportsmanlike Conduct

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By JOYCE McKENZIE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 13, 2008

Updated: 02/11/2008 09:34 pm

TEMPLE TERRACE - Lured by online chat rooms, computer games and television, many kids opt out of popular recreational activities that support a healthier lifestyle.

Sandy Smith, director of rehabilitation services at Shriners Hospitals for Children - Tampa, said it is an issue that especially affects patients with physical disabilities she and her staff treat daily.

"The challenge we have is keeping our kids physically active," said Smith, who oversees the physical therapy department at the hospital that treats children free of charge up to age 18 for their orthopedic needs. "It's so important because recreational and sports activities are also beneficial from a psychological perspective in that it increases their independence and self-esteem."

Toward that end, in 1998, Shriners established No Limits Sports Day, an annual day of sporting events on the hospital's campus for youths with physical limitations.

For this year's No Limits Sports Day on Saturday, Shriners will partner with BlazeSports Tampa Bay at nearby All People's Life Center.

Founded in 2002, BlazeSports Tampa Bay, sponsored by the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, is a sports club for physically challenged athletes, ages 6 through 21.

"Shriners is like a feeder system for BlazeSports. It's a great partnership because we can reach out to kids with physical disabilities who've never been exposed to organized sports," said Andy Chasanoff, sports coordinator at BlazeSports Tampa Bay, an organization selected as an official training academy for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

Former and current Paralympians - including basketball standout Paul Shulte, adaptive tennis star Karen Korb and field event expert Scott Danberg - will be on hand to coach and encourage the athletes.

Each participant is able to select four athletic events in which to participate. Wheelchair basketball, adaptive tennis, track and field, dance, weightlifting, table tennis, power soccer, bocce and hand cycling are among them.

The free and open-to-the-public event also will provide lunch, T-shirts and certificates of appreciation for all participants. Parents are encouraged to participate in the morning's open panel discussion and to pick up resource materials.

"BlazeSports has a great facility and programs that may stimulate an interest in Paralympics for some of our Shriners kids," Smith said.

Eleven-year-old Scarlett Lawhorne of Zephyrhills, born with spina bifida, became a Shriners patient at the age of 1. She also has been involved with BlazeSports since its inception.

"I love both places, but I really like to hang out with people just like me at Blaze- Sports," said the Stewart Middle School sixth-grader who uses a wheelchair. "I also like, too, that I can play sports just like anyone else."

Pauline Reyes, 18, of Tampa, who has cerebral palsy, appreciates how she is treated by those who coach her.

"It's not about being perfect but doing your best," said the Chamberlain High School graduate who favors the track and field events. "My sister got me involved with Blaze, and I was kind of iffy at first. But it's been something that's really changed my life. It's really helped me a lot."

Tampa resident Kenjy Asin, 20, is a double amputee who was treated at Shriners and has been a familiar face at BlazeSports for five years. He will participate on Team USA at the International Wheelchair Amputee Games at Rutgers University this summer.

He said the event will give Shriners kids the chance to learn they, too, can participate in most of the same sports as those without disabilities.

"They'll also meet a lot of people, like I have, that they can become close to and share their stories with," said the certified medical assistant and Hillsborough Community College student who is studying to be a pediatrician. "Coach Andy is like my second dad. If you need something, he'll do anything to get it for you."

Catalina Bustamante, 16, a Temple Terrace resident with spina bifida, has made the All People's Life Center her second home since 2002, when she signed on with BlazeSports.

"The kids from Shriners will be learning things they the coaches are going to teach them. They'll be involved in something that is really good for handicapped kids," said Bustamante, an Armwood High School junior and recipient of BlazeSports' 2007 Katie Kirlin Spirit of Excellence Award.

Catalina's father, Jose Bustamante, owner of Bay Area Neuro Clinic in Temple Terrace, will offer free massages for the athletes participating in the event.

"I think it's a good idea for both groups to merge to have fun and take it to the next level," he said

Advance registration is preferred but not required.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: No Limits Sports Day

WHERE: All People's Life Center, 6105 E. Sligh Ave.

WHEN: Saturday

TIME: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday (8 a.m. signup for athletes)

TO REGISTER: Call (813) 975-7142 or (813) 744-5307 or request a registration form at nolimitssports@shrinenet.org.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849 or jmckenzie@tampatrib.com.

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