Sports are a part of almost everybody’s life, from preschool t-ball to high school varsity soccer. Everybody deserves the chance to enjoy and experience sports, and Empower Sports provides the opportunity to everyone.
Empower Sports’ mission is simple. They aim to enrich the lives of athletes with diverse challenges through sports and exercise while promoting kindness, character, and meaningful relationships.
“We just want our athletes to have a space and a court that’s just for them, no matter where they’re at. We meet them at their needs… and just have fun through sports,” said Ryan Holesko, director of operations at Empower Sports.
On Monday, March 30, Empower Sports brought pickleball to the Garfield Middle School gymnasium. Athletes of all abilities gathered and played for an hour, supported by coaches helping them through the game.
“They have taught me just to have a smile on my face at all times… I could be in the worst mood when I come here, and I leave in the best mood just by hanging out,” said volunteer and coach Cassidy Feiler.
The event began with the coaches serving to the players, giving them tips on how to hit best, and ultimately making them stronger players. After everyone was warmed up, the players got a chance to serve and practice their volleys by playing a real game of pickleball. Everyone, from the players to the parents watching, was having a great time, filling the gym with laughter and cheers.
“Families are also able to sit back and watch. They get to relax. They are handing their loved ones over to a set of inclusive sports professionals, and they also get to watch them out there having fun, playing, and building skills,” Holesko said. “It gives them a chance to just enjoy seeing their loved ones in action without needing to be the ones guiding every move.”
These games are about more than just sports. They provide a community for all involved. Everybody deserves a like-minded group of peers to interact with, laugh with, and enjoy their time with.
“Everybody wants to be a part of a community, to be able to come together and work on our skills… It’s really awesome, because like everybody, everybody wants to be a part of a community. That’s what makes the world go round, right?” said Maggie Stutz, volunteer and coach at Empower Sports.
The pickleball program is part of a six-week session designed to be accessible to everyone, no matter their financial situation. The athletes receive guidance from the coaches, learn new skills, and have the opportunity to try new techniques. Beyond pickleball, they offer sports including soccer and ice skating.
“I think what’s cool is seeing the growth from week one. In a six-week session, they go from the foundational basics to being able to play each other, which is really cool because building those skills in such a short time can be challenging,” Stutz said.
Lakewood opens the Garfield Middle School Gym doors from January to July. The city provides resources and space to support athletics, helping people with different needs live a normal life.
“The city of Lakewood is one of our biggest and best sponsors,” said Holesko. “There aren’t a lot of cities or spaces like this that would open up their doors to us as much as Mark Walter does in the city of Lakewood.”
Empower Sports shows people are capable of doing so many things, regardless of their differences. With the help of volunteers, coaches, and the support of the city of Lakewood, Empower Sports continues to provide a space where everyone can play, laugh, and grow together.
