IL State Reps vs. LWSRA

Rolling Falcons Get the Best of Davis, DeLuca, Evans, Jones, Riley, Rita, Sullivan, Sims and Thapedi during Game to Promote Special Recreation Services in Illinois

NEW LENOX, Ill. (Sept. 9, 2013) — For the team of state legislators who took on the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association Rolling Falcons in a wheelchair basketball game Sept. 6 at Lincoln-Way Central High School, it was an opportunity to bring awareness to special recreation services that are available throughout Illinois.

It was also a chance to see firsthand just how talented the Rolling Falcons are. LWSRA’s team — a combination of the Junior Division-NIT (ages 13 through high school) and Junior Division-Prep squads that both qualified for last season’s National Wheelchair Basketball Association National Tournament in Louisville, Ky. — easily prevailed 35-26.

The idea of Rep. Anthony DeLuca and LWSRA Superintendent Keith Wallace was to use the game as a vehicle to bring attention to one of the many programs that special recreation organizations facilitate around the state. Other lawmakers participating include William Davis, Marcus Evans, Thaddeus Jones, Al Riley, Robert Rita, Ed Sullivan, Elgie Sims and André Thapedi.

It was also a rewarding experience for the Rolling Falcons.  “The event was great!  I was happy all the representatives could come” said Rolling Falcon player Jackie Morales.

 “It was great to see so many legislators participate and help us show how important special needs programs are to people with disabilities “Organizations like Lincolnway Special Recreation Association are so important as they provide the needed services that allow those with disabilities to participate in sports and recreation programs. I hope this will encourage others to support special recreation programs, and encourage those with disabilities to contact a special recreation and get involved.” said Wallace.

Speaking of getting involved, the LWSRA Rolling Falcons are now preparing for the 2013-14 season and welcoming new players. Any child, 3 years and older, or adult with a physical disability who is interested in joining are asked to contact Pete Mangelsdorf at 815-462-2911 or pmangelsdorf@lwsra.org. Please note that players need not be in a wheelchair to play; they just need to have a lower lever impairment to qualify. The season begins in October.

 About Lincolnway Special Recreation Association

 Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) provides both adaptive and special recreation services for individuals with disabilities. Services are provided through a cooperative agreement with the Frankfort, Manhattan, Mokena, New Lenox, Peotone and Wilmington Island park districts. LWSRA is an integral part of the overall recreation services of each of its partner districts. LWSRA programs are designed for individuals, preschool through adult, who have recreation needs that are not met by regular park district programs.

For more information on Lincolnway Special Recreation Association, to download a current program brochure or to donate to the Lincolnway Special Recreation Foundation, please visit www.LWSRA.org or call 815-462-2911.