Volunteer Opportunities with the Pediatric SIG
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” — Elizabeth Andrew
The Pediatric SIG is pleased to present opportunities for APTA Virginia members to volunteer. Please email us at VPTA.PSIG@gmail.com if you would like to share additional opportunities and we will be glad to highlight them for the PSIG members.
Special Olympics FUNFitness Screening 2022
When: June 11, 2022 9:30-4:30, (9:30-1:30 or 12:30-4:30)
Where: University of Richmond, Robins Center
Attention Physical Therapists or Physical Therapist Assistants - Special Olympics Virginia needs you to volunteer your expertise to help identify individuals with flexibility, balance, cardio and strength deficits so Special Olympics athletes can be connected to coaches and health care providers in their community for help. Through education of the athletes and coaches at the event, athletes are shown ways to improve their health and wellbeing. Volunteers will be setting up the screening facilities on June 10. If you are interested in helping with screenings on Saturday or facility setup, please contact Clinical Directors Laura Thoene | laurathoene@gmail.com or Nijah Chinn-Gonsalves | nchinngonsalves@ecpi.edu.
If you are unable to help this year but would like to be notified of future screening events, please email one of the clinical directors and express your interest in volunteering in the future for FUNfitness and include your contact information.
Children's Assistive Technology Services (CATS)There are monthly weekend washes of used equipment at the Richmond and Roanoke offices of CATS. The dates, times and sign-ups are posted monthly. Please go to
https://hr.atdevicesforkids.org for more information. This is a vital part of how CATS can continue to help get equipment to the families in Virginia. All help is welcomed!
Sportable Richmond
- CP Soccer
When: Sundays 7/31, 8/7 from 1:00-3:00 pm
Where: Deep Run Park
This program is specifically for children with ambulatory CP. Coached by a former Paralympic team player, this program focuses on building coordination, balance, and other skills all in the context of soccer. It's one of my favorite programs we offer.
- Wheelchair Basketball
When: Tuesday evenings 9/6, 9/13 (tentative)
Where: Location TBD
Wheelchair basketball is a sport played primarily by people with disabilities that affect their lower limbs. Though some children in this sport walk for primary mobility, they use a wheelchair for sport participation to improve speed and agility. Common diagnosis in this sport include paraplegia, spina bifida, and lower limb amputation.
- Summer Camp
When: every weekday the week of 8/15, 10:00-2:00
Where: Eastern Henrico Recreation Center
This is our second year offering a day camp to children with physical disabilities in the Richmond community. Some kids will be current athletes with us and others will likely be new or prospective athletes with us. Each day of camp will explore new Paralympic sports opportunities while also engaging the kids in various games and other camp-like activities. Summer camp is likely where students could see the widest range of disabilities and sports.
Contact Caitlyn Berry, OTR/L at caitlyn@sportable.org or visit
https://sportable.org for more information.