Mrs. Amy Boutilier Sport and Medical Sciences Academy 280 Huyshope Avenue Hartford, CT 06106
Dear Mrs.Boutilier:
For my capstone project I will be coordinating a wheelchair basketball exhibition tournament. The proceeds I raise will be donated to the Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England. I was born with Spina Bifida and thought it would be a great way of me giving back to those who have helped me. This event will take place at Sport and Medical Sciences Academy in the main gym on November 10, 2016 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. SMSA students, staff, and the CT Spokebenders will be in mixed teams to play a full game of basketball. Players will have to be there to warm up and get adjusted in the sports chairs. Mr. McKay will be the supervisor. Officer Addy will be the security on duty for the event. Admission is $1 per person. I will have concession stands running during this event as well as merchandise being sold. At halftime we will be having a raffle and I also have a confirmed DJ who will be there.
My research question is: What is the benefits of para-sports? My research question relates to my capstone project because I’m raising awareness that even though some people have a different ability, we can play the same sports. I’m acknowledging the struggles people with disabilities had to get accepted into playing sports a long side abled bodied athletes in high schools, colleges and the Paralympics.
My mentor is Carlos Quiles. He is my basketball coach as well as my track and field coach. He has played on the CT Spokebenders wheelchair basketball team for the past 16 years. Now, he is one of the coaches. At the Hospital for Special Care he is the Life Skills Mentorship Coordinator as well as the Adaptive Sports Program Specialist. Carlos is qualified to be my mentor because he has much experience in wheelchair basketball. My learning stretch is that I’m taking a leadership role in coordinating an event on my own. This is something new for me because I’m learning how to be a leader.