Here's how to keep healthy with us!
We hope you are finding ways to stay active. We have started five virtual fitness programs to continue to support our members with adaptive exercise programs. We continue to research options and welcome your suggestions.
Youth Track and Field
The Youth Track and Field program training is now virtual, led by our head coach, Dr. Darla Clayton, every Sunday at 3 pm. At each session, Darla provides the team a training plan for the week, plus leads the athletes in stretching and strengthening exercises.
Yoga
April 15th was our inaugural virtual yoga session. The sessions are held every Wednesday at 3 pm. Our very own yogi, Mamie Guidera, guides participants through strength and stretching poses. All are welcome to participate, and Mamie provides pose modifications, as needed, based on individual abilities.
Indoor Rowing
Virtual indoor rowing will be held each Monday and Wednesday evenings at 5:30 pm starting on May 4th. This program requires access to an ergometer. A limited number of loaner ergometers are available to athletes for use at home.
Group Fitness
We are offering two options of virtual group fitness classes. One is a seated class and the second requires the participants to stand and walk. The seated program will be led by Mardi Malley, and will be on Thursdays at noon. The standing program will be led by Judy Morrison, and will be on Tuesdays at 5 pm.
Registration is required for all programs. Contact Judy Morrison to register and questions you may have about using Zoom to participate.
We cannot wait to see you again in person and to resume our regular programming. Stay safe, active and healthy!
(Contributor: Andrea Pampaloni)
PCAS PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
Ekow Opoku-Dakwa
In our August newsletter, we highlighted PCAS' Youth Track & Field coach Darla Clayton. This month, we highlight 13-year-old Ekow Opoku-Dakwa, a remarkable young man, and member of the PCAS Youth Track & Field team. Ekow, along with his mother, Marian, sat for an interview with us from Pittsburgh, via Zoom.
Trent Clayton and Ekow
We know from coach Darla, that you have had great success at the Adaptive Sports USA's Junior Nationals. Why did you choose track and field? How did you start?
"First I heard about the team, and tried out, and I liked it."
Marian added, "Ekow was doing Physical Therapy at the Children's Specialized Hospital. I wanted to have him in a place where he could do his therapy and get exercise. About four years ago, while we were living in New Jersey, we heard of a local adaptive track team. When we attended nationals, we got to know Darla [Clayton, director of PCAS' Track & Field]. So when we moved to Pittsburgh, we hooked up with Darla and her Strong As Steel program.
What motivates you to reach the nationals?
"I just like to go to different places in the USA, and hang out with good friends every year. It's like going on vacation." Marian added, "The social aspect is very important, especially meeting athletes who are competitive. Ekow is competitive in athletics as well as academics. As a swimmer, and as a runner, he can show off what he can do."
What events of Track & Field do you compete?
"In Track, I do all events, from 60-meter 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 and 3K." Ekow is too young to compete in 5K races. He also competes in the long-jump, set the long-jump record when he competed four years ago.
What other sports are you doing?
“I did cross country with my school team in the fall and swimming this winter. And I bike sometimes. I also play sled hockey with the Mighty Pens.”
Marian added, “He swam a mile in the Pacific during Challenged Athletes Foundation's San Diego Triathlon Challenge. And this year he has been working towards adding the biking leg of the triathlon, riding up to 15 miles at a time.”
“Ekow also swims with the local Y and we found Track and Field with River City Elite really helpful. He also water skis every summer on Conneaut Lake, as part of a Three Rivers Adaptive Sports program.”
Ekow, what grade are you in?
"I'm in 7th grade. I like to learn things, I like math, and I love to play chess." In math class, Ekow is the champion of his grade for two years in a row in "Challenge 24", a game where you are given number cards and have to derive the number 24 out of them. Ekow is also in an advanced algebra class.
And he loves to play chess. In August 2019, Ekow took the First Place trophy at the Summer 2019 Chess Challenge (Beginner class), and again, a First Place Trophy in November at the 2019 Future Champion Chess Challenge (Advanced Beginner class).
What dreams do you have for the future?
"I hope to be a future engineer. Programming and analytics are the kinds of jobs I'd like to have."
What are your favorite things about being on a sports team?
"I like that I get to race other people, and have lots of fun with friends, and get to meet new people."
(Contributor: Jack Campbell)
PCAS PROGRAMS
Youth Ski Camp
Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports hosted the 23rd annual Youth Ski Camp from February 17th through February 21st at Camelback Mountain Resort.
The camp was host to nine kids of all levels of experience, ranging from some who have never skied to those training towards Paralympic level competition, and was enjoyed by all.
The camp provided an opportunity not only to ski but also a chance to meet new friends and to reconnect with those from previous years. Camp started with a meet and greet on Monday night. The next three days included time on the mountain, schoolwork, swimming in the indoor pool, a trip to the water park and an awards banquet on Thursday night.
Caitlin, who attended camp for the 4th time this year, describes her experience:
“the camp is a lot of fun and I look forward to attending each year. I complete six hours on the mountain each day as a three-tracker, which means I use one ski and have two outriggers.”
Caitlin adds, “In addition to skiing it is important that I do my schoolwork. The water park and banquet each year are something that I look forward to.”
Tyler Carter is the head coach and is well known to the program as a PCAS ski camp alumnus and Paralympic Athlete. His experience helps to motivate the campers with examples of what is possible. Tyler noted that he looks forward to the camp and that “this week is my favorite week of my year, and the fact that I can play a part is an honor. The phenomenal camp volunteers who help to make the experience an excellent one, plus the motivated campers make my job easier. The main goals of the camp are to ski, have a good time and increase independence. PCAS really changes lives.”
(Contributor: Lynn McGillin)
Upcoming Events
PLEASE NOTE:
Pending further notice, all in-person programs are paused.
TEXT: Join PCAS Update
TO: 888-535-2276
To keep updated with important PCAS schedule changes.
Cross-program Social
Virtual - Thursday, May 14th at 6:30 PM
Registration is required: contact PCAS Events
Youth Track and Field
Virtual - Sundays at 3:00 PM
Registration required: contact Judy Morrison
Indoor Rowing
Virtual - Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 PM
Registration and access to an erg required: contact Judy Morrison
Yoga
Virtual - Wednesdays at 3:00 PM
Registration required: contact Judy Morrison
Group Fitness – Standing and Walking Exercises
Virtual - This program requires participants to be able to stand without assistance and walk
Tuesdays at 5:00 PM
Registration required: contact Judy Morrison
Group Fitness – Chair Exercises
Virtual - Thursdays at 12:00 PM
Registration required: contact Judy Morrison
