Written by Ann Lindemann

In Northern Nevada spirited individuals, dedicated programs and creative technologies are generating a synergy of great magnitude.

The City of Reno Parks and Recreation Department has taken great strides in offering opportunities in the adaptive recreation field. The philosophy of the department’s leaders is that everyone should be included in all recreation programs.

“Inclusion is a pretty progressive concept and I believe Reno is way ahead of the curve,” says Andy Fernandez, inclusion supervisor with the City of Reno Parks, Recreation and Community Services Deptarment.

From rugby to ice hockey, Reno offers a myriad of recreation programs, many of which are tailored to those with mobility issues. For instance, the city whitewater park is accessible to everyone, which Fernandez says is a step in the right direction.

He acknowledges not everyone is ready to jump into a new sport, especially those with mobility issues. That’s where introductory sport clinics come in.

John Kirsch’s Freewheelin’ Foundation recently sponsored an adaptive cycling clinic and more are planned.

Leading the charge in the Washoe County School District is Lorraine Howard, an adapted physical education specialist, whose innovative classes are the highlight of many a schoolchild’s day.

Howard likes to populate her classes with kids with cognitive, behavioral and physical issues. Besides the physical benefits, the children learn a lot about tolerance, teamwork, and leadership. Whether they are accomplishing a tricky yoga pose or conquering “Mt. Everest” on shoeshoes, bolstered self-esteem is sure to follow.

Regionally, Disabled Sports USA, Far West is an influential player. The organization sponsors a myriad of summer and winter programs in Tahoe, Reno, and Sacramento. Its flagship program office is located at Alpine Meadows, where the Tahoe Adaptive Ski School offers affordable recreation to participants with disabilities. John Kirsch, Mark Wellman, and Candace Cable all got their starts on the snow at TASS.

When the snow melts, the organization turns its sights to kayaking, cycling, water skiing, golf, and camping programs.

Bob Guerrero, who pioneered Sky Tavern’s adaptive ski program -- where Jonah Vandever got his start -- speaks on the integral value of trying a new sport – able-bodied or not.

"It's about learning how to adapt to our environments," says Guerrero, a recreation therapist with the Nevada Employment Training and Rehabilitation Department.

He says it's important for all of us to try new things and that goes double for those with physical limitations.

"It's not how well they do or even if they succeed at skiing. What's important is what they learn about themselves along the way. Trying is the most important part."

Self-esteem gained from recreation creates a positive ripple effect in our lives, Guerrero says. The person who tries a new sport is going to feel good about him or herself and that will come through, for instance, in a job interview.

Disabled Sports USA has a one-liner mission statement that condenses this entire philosophy: "If I can do this, I can do anything."