A free event this weekend in Virginia allows children with physical and developmental disabilities to enjoy water skiing, kayaking, tubing, paddle boarding, canoeing and more.
A free event in Virginia allows children with physical and developmental disabilities to waterski, kayak, tubing, paddleboard, canoe and more. (Courtesy of So Kids SOAR)
Provided by So Kids SOAR
The 14th annual So Kids SOAR Adaptive Water Sports Clinic will be held at Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lawton on Saturday, July 13. (Courtesy of So Kids SOAR)
Provided by So Kids SOAR
The goal is to empower children with disabilities by building their confidence and creating memories through sports and recreational activities. (Courtesy of So Kids SOAR)
Provided by So Kids SOAR
Children with physical and developmental disabilities can waterski, kayak, tubing, paddleboard, canoe and more at a free event this weekend in Fairfax County, Virginia.
“Kids get to be seen and have their voice heard,” says Kiera Johnson, a program analyst at So Kids SOAR, a nonprofit in Washington, D.C. “They get to be themselves and they become more confident.”
The 14th annual So Kids SOAR Adaptive Water Sports Clinic is scheduled for Saturday, July 13, at Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lawton. Adaptive equipment and instructors will be available for children. A total of about 120 families are expected to participate this year, up from 57 in 2023.
Johnson’s brother, Quinn, also attended the event last year.
“My little brother is on the autism spectrum and attended the water sports clinic,” she said. “He had his usual big smile on his face. I’m happy to be the person who gets the opportunity for him to try something new and have fun.”
So once or twice a month, Kids SOAR hosts a special needs clinic, one of the group’s largest events of the year. The goal is to empower children with disabilities by building their confidence and creating memories through sports and recreational activities.
“There was a kid who went tubing for the first time and his mother broke down in tears,” Johnson said. “I think she was really proud of her son trying something new and just being a kid instead of feeling looked at or judged. It was awesome.”
The clinic is aimed at children with disabilities ages 4-24 and is completely free for participating families.
“It always warms my heart when I see someone having fun, laughing, trying something new and expressing their joy,” Johnson said.
That’s why Kids SOAR is looking for volunteers. For more information, visit their website.
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