Fun on Wheels!

On Tuesday, Sept. 26, elementary students at New Rockford-Sheyenne got a unique opportunity to experience the challenges faced by those with physical disabilities.

Perhaps more importantly, however, they learned about inclusion and that physical limitations don't necessarily put a damper on fun activities.

Hope Inc., a non-profit organization out of Fargo, N.D., was in New Rockford last Tuesday to pass along those lessons through a fun activity.

The purpose of the organization, which was established in 2005, is to provide family-friendly sporting and recreational opportunities to those with mobility challenges.The organization began as just five families, and has since grown into a community of more than 180 families.

They support activities such as adaptive taekwondo, swimming, curling, wheelchair basketball, adaptive baseball, archery and adaptive dance, just to name a few. They also travel throughout the region to spread awareness and to pass along valuable and fun lessons to students.

Bill Grommesh, Executive Director of Hope Inc., worked with the kids at NR-S throughout the day last Tuesday.

He began by telling students it's possible to have fun and accomplish great things despite certain physical limitations, and about the importance of inclusion and being the kind of student that includes all their classmates in fun activities.

It was then time to have some fun with an exciting game of wheelchair soccer.

The game was self-explanatory: soccer but played in wheelchairs and with a large inflatable ball.

The only rule? No using your legs!

Each class had a blast as they tried to outscore their fellow classmates, and Grommesh was excellent at making sure each and every kid could participate and have a good time.

Throughout Tuesday afternoon, the NR-S kindergarten through second grade classes got to play wheelchair soccer with their fellow classmate, Piper Hegland, who had the advantage of staying in her own wheelchair during the games.

Amanda Hegland, Piper's mother, helped make Tuesday's activities at NR-S possible, as her family has been involved with Hope Inc. for several years now.

"It's so good for Piper to see other children like her that use a walker or wheelchair," said Hegland. "The whole organization and people involved with it are so inclusive. It feels like one big family, supporting each other."

Hegland said Piper has been able to participate in Hope Inc.'s track meets and even their fashion show, and that Piper enjoyed participating in another event so close to home.

"It was such an amazing day! Piper was so excited and loved every minute of it," said Hegland. "... It was an emotional day as a parent to witness everyone taking part in the day, and cheering each other on. We are so thankful for the school for making this happen."

Tuesday's activities at New Rockford-Sheyenne were a great opportunity for the kids to experience the challenges faced by Piper and so many others, and Hegland believes it was a lesson well-learned.

"Like the saying, 'you never know until you walk a mile in someone's shoes,' this activity let students have a glimpse of what it's like to use a wheelchair and see that you can still participate in activities and be active, just in a different way."

Those interested in supporting Hope Inc. and their mission can visit hopeinc.org and consider donating or volunteering.

"It's just a great organization for kids and adults of all mobility challenges to be able to take part in athletics and other events where nothing holds anyone back," said Hegland.