Padres de jóvenes atletas con discapacidades físicas crean comunidad

Measuring a child for a racing chair to get the optimal fit and teaching them the correct way to push on the track or road are just a couple of things the Rising New York Road Runners Wheelchair Training program does.

This free year-round program for youth ages 6-21 with physical disabilities has inspired parents to build a supportive community where they come together to help their children pursue their goals.

“None of us really knew the ins and outs of the sport. We gathered this summer to watch the Paralympics,” Thomas Shannon said.

Thomas is the father of 11-year-old Lucy Shannon, one of the youth athletes who has trained with the program and recently competed at the Move United Junior Nationals, a national track and field meet for youth athletes with disabilities that took place in Denver, Colorado from July 16-22. Read our blog post about the athletes and the event here. 

“[Volunteer coach] Arielle Rausin has done the marathon a number of times as a wheelchair athlete. Having someone that the kids can see in a wheelchair, it gives kids that extra drive to get things done,” Thomas added.

“People don’t realize how expensive this sport is – through HSS [Hospital for Special Surgery] they reached out to us and said there’s a group that’s looking to provide racing wheelchairs for kids,” Thomas said. Eventually, they were rewarded a grant from the JDJ Charitable Foundation. 

“It’s been a really cool community to be part of,” he said.

For Jasmine Tay, building a network is important because it helps keep things in perspective. Jasmine is the mother of 9-year-old Harry Houng-Lee, who also competed at the Move United Junior Nationals where their whole family went to cheer him on. 

“It’s really fun to get the family rallying around something. It’s great to see Harry be passionate about something, as you’d want any child to find a great hobby they’re passionate about. We get to meet other families and other teams and see how they operate. There’s a community feel to it,” Jasmine said.
 
When Jasmine found out about the training program, she emailed NYRR for more details and Coach Trisha replied by explaining the format of the program. Harry initially joined virtual sessions and was eventually given a loaner chair to take home. 

“Things changed for him. We could take the chair out and give it a go and feel the freedom of it. He really took to it. He’s always been very independent with his wheelchair, and this took him to the next level. It’s been great for him to pick up a sport and commit to it,” Jasmine said. 

She added that when you have a child with a disability, there’s a concern as to whether or not they will be okay. The training program allows her and the other parents to see future opportunities for their children to keep getting better.  

“Building this community of people who have shared experiences and challenges—that’s always a bonus through any adaptive program. I think for us as parents, personally, the program has put a future into perspective for Harry, and it’s given us something to aspire to,” she said. 

Marlina Chan’s 8-year-old daughter Penelope Fernandez also participates in the training program. She has always wanted to be an athlete and started training in September 2021 after meeting and befriending Lucy at a local playground. Lucy’s mother eventually told Marlina about the program. 

“The community of families gives you so much information. That was huge for us, and it makes us happy to go on Saturdays. We always feel great afterwards. Knowing we’re going to be out of the house, we’ll be outdoors with all the kids, it’s really motivating,” Marlina said.

Coach Trisha noticed how Penelope walked in her gait trainer and introduced her to the Frame Runner, a three-wheeled running frame without pedals. After learning how to position her hands to guide the runner to go fast she felt excited and proud. 

“It’s hard to find families in similar situations [who] know where you’re coming from. With any kind of disability, it can be a little awkward having to explain things to people, but in this situation there’s not even a question,” Marlina said. 

This Sunday, September 11, Lucy and Harry will line up at the start of the Back to School Mile at the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile and race down Manhattan’s Museum Mile as their family, friends, and many others cheer them on! 


Pictured from left to right: Lucy, Penelope, and Harry at the Move United Junior Nationals in July.