STRIDE, Sunnyview to join forces
Open house to spotlight adpative sports programs
WEST SANDLAKE, N.Y. » After many years of trying to join forces, STRIDE Adaptive Sports and Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital are collaborating on an event that will showcase STRIDE’s programs to recovering patients at the Schenectady facility, as well as others interested in participating or
volunteering with the programs.
An open house will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, September 24, at STRIDE’s 86- acre campsite, the STRIDE Center for Outdoor Recreation & Education, at 2182 Route 203 in Chatham. Demonstrations and booths for many STRIDE Sports programs will allow patients and guests to participate for the majority of the time in tennis, archery and target shooting. Informational booths will also be offered in other sports, such as skiing and sled hockey, for people to learn more about those program.
Sunnyview will also have a booth set up for people to learn more its services.
Both parties are very excited about the partnership, saying it will benefit both in what they see as a shared mission.
“Our adaptive recreation experiences are usually just a one- day resource clinic to show the patients that they can still do these activities after their injury, illness or accident,” said Jennifer Battle, lead recreational therapist at Sunnyview. “We are looking to partner with other organizations that have year-round programs to allow these individuals to continue to participate in activities that they choose.”
Participating in sports and recreational activities is a crucial part of the rehabilitation process for those recovering from traumatic injuries and events, according to Megan Evans, STRIDE’s program director.
“Any time that STRIDE has the opportunity for collaboration, is a huge benefit for not only our organization, but to the community we serve,” Evans said. “The more we are able to provide sports and recreation programs to those with special needs and disabilities, the more we are making an impact in the quality of their lives.”
While the event aims to spotlight what STRIDE can do, Evans said another of its objectives is to show how volunteers can help.
“Having the open house is not only a great way for our community to become aware of the programs that we offer to special needs athletes, but it is a way for those interested in volunteering to make an impact in their community,” she said.
Sunnyview is nationally recognized as a leader in neurological patient care, with its Neuro-Rehab Institute treating patients with a wide range of neurological conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. To learn more about Sunnyview, call 518-382- 4500 or visit www.nehealth.com/ Medical_Care/Sunnyview_ Rehabilitation_Hospital.
For more information on STRIDE and its programs, call 518- 598-1279, email mwhitney@ stride.org or visit www.stride.org.