Jóvenes atletas en sillas de ruedas compiten en Junior Nationals

This week, for the first time, four members of the Rising New York Road Runners Wheelchair Training Program are competing at the Move United Junior Nationals, a national track and field meet for youth athletes with disabilities taking place in Denver, Colorado.

The Rising New York Road Runners Wheelchair Training Program is a free year-round program for youth ages 6-21 with physical disabilities. The program offers weekly training sessions on a seasonal basis, in-school resources, and competitive events on the road and track, regardless of experience or prior NYRR affiliation. Coaches Paul Kolterjahn, Trisha Yurochko, Arielle Rausin, and others help the young athletes develop their speed, endurance, and technique through fun group workouts.

Taking place during Disability Pride Month, the junior nationals meet is an opportunity for these four kids to follow their dreams and race against other young athletes from around the country, cheered on by their families.  

The four kids competing at junior nationals are pictured above at a recent workout in NYC (left to right: Harry, Penelope, Aadil, and Lucy), and below this week at the meet in Denver.

If you know a child who may be interested in joining the program, please contact Arianna Moliere.

Penelope Fernandez

Age: 8
Junior nationals events: 20m, 60m, 100m, 200m

Penelope joined the RNYRR Wheelchair Training Program last September and immediately fell in love with the feeling of going fast in her Frame Runner, a three-wheeled running frame without pedals. “The first time she got in it, she was flying,” said Marlina Chan, Penelope’s mom. “She was like ‘Mom, I’m so fast! I’m like Sonic!’”

Penelope joined the program after meeting another participant at a playground. “It finally was like she found a place where it was meeting all her needs,” said Marlina. “Her peers were people she was really happy with, and the action of competing and going fast was really nice.”

Lucy Shannon

Age: 11
Junior nationals events: 60m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, javelin, shot put

Lucy first learned of wheelchair racing a few years ago when she watched the professional wheelchair racers at the TCS New York City Marathon. One of the athletes noticed Lucy in her wheelchair and waved, giving Lucy a sense of pride and belonging.

“She turned to me and said, ‘I’m going to do that one day,’” said Tom Shannon, Lucy’s dad. Lucy received a racing chair through a grant from the JDJ Foundation and initially trained by herself on a boardwalk. She joined the RNYRR Wheelchair Training Program in 2020 and started competing this year.
 
“None of us really knew the ins and outs of the sport. We gathered [last] summer to watch the Paralympics, and seeing the [athletes] perform on the Olympic stage was incredible,” said Tom.

“The most important thing is for these kids to just be kids and be competitive and have fun," he added. "I asked Lucy what she was most excited for about Junior Nationals, and she said, ‘Making friends.’”

Harry Houng-Lee

Age: 9
Junior nationals events: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m

Harry Houng-Lee dreams of attending the University of Illinois to join their wheelchair racing program, and of becoming a Paralympic wheelchair racer.

Harry joined the RNYRR Wheelchair Training Program in the winter of 2020, right before the pandemic, and trained virtually using a loaned racing chair. “He really took to it,” said Jasmine Tay, Harry’s mom. “He’s always been very independent with his wheelchair and this took him to the next level.” 

“For our family it’s great to see Harry love something and be passionate, as you’d want any child to find interests to pursue and dreams to chase!” said Jasmine.

The family loves rallying together around something fun and exciting, she added. “We get to meet other families and other teams and see how they operate. There’s a community feel to it.”

Aadil Thompson

Age: 10
Junior nationals events: 60m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, shotput, javelin, and discus

Aadil Thompson started racing in a wheelchair when he was 7, encouraged by his grandmother, a runner. Being part of the RNYRR Wheelchair Training Program has helped improve his physical health and boost his confidence.

“The program has had such a positive impact on him,” said Anthony Thompson, Aadil’s dad. “It’s been helpful with Aadil to see children with the same challenges and see the possibilities.” 

Aadil, he added, is “totally stoked for junior nationals."