Meet Tonie S., Competing in Adaptive Sports

... music playing ... Through wheel chair sports, kids have been able to become independent. They challenge themselves, they have been actually gain more self esteem. Over the past 6 years, if it wasn't for the Kessler Foundation, our kids would not be able to compete on national level. We would not be able to purchase the equipment that we need. Kessler Foundation, they provide about 80% of the funding that goes towards our program. ... music playing ... I play track, field, swimming archery and table tennis. Track is my favorite sport. It's the most competitive, I like the adrenaline rush This past summer I was in Missouri and it was actually one of my best nationals, cause I beat all my records. I set a lot of personal best. And I actually dove for the first time off the diving board in swimming so it was a big accomplishment for me. My coaches they lead me in all the right directions. They work on all my weaknesses and they really push me to do the best that I can. They really push me to the limit which I love because I'm very competitive so I need to be pushed so I can succeed. My live has change completely because before I use to just be some handicap girl and like nobody noticed me. they would talk to my mother like as if I didn't exist. And then I came on the Navigators and I realized that I can be something. I realized that my disability does not have to affect my sports and I can be athletic too. I just feel so much better about myself. Like I'm not depressed any more about being handicapped. I realize I can get out and do things. And I have friends that are just like me, because of the Navigators and we don't have to start off the conversation like why are you sitting in a chair or like why don't you walk straight straight or what's wrong with your legs? It's such a big thing because when you meet somebody new that's the first thing out of their mouth and when I came here they accepted me with open arms. The Navigators is the best thing I've ever found and I'm so glad to be a part of their team. ... music playing ...