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Statement of Melinda Wheatley
Senior Recreation Therapist
Hillsborough County, FL, Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department
and Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay, FL

The mission of Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay is to promote health, independence, and personal growth for people with physical disabilities through sports.

Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay (PSTB) is one of over 100 community based programs established by the Paralympic Division of the United States Olympic Committee. 

As a signature program of the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Department, PSTB provides year round sports and recreation programs that promote physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and recreational and competitive sports opportunities for area children and adults with physical disabilities.

Program Highlights:

• Over 200 athletes participate in at least 1 PSTB program or event each year
• PSTB offers ongoing programs for athletes at all levels from recreational to competitive elite in multiple sports such as wheelchair basketball, track and field, adaptive tennis, swimming, archery,  and wheelchair team handball
• PSTB offers periodic clinics in additional sports such as archery, adaptive golf, handcycling and water skiing
• PSTB has strong relationships with other community agencies such as Shriner’s Hospital for Children, James A Haley VA Hospital, and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission.

For additional information:

Contact Andy Chasanoff, Sports Coordinator

Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay ? 6105 E. Sligh Ave.? Tampa, FL 33617? (813) 744-5307 ? Fax (813) 744-5309

(813) 744-5307 or dsportshcprd@aol.com

 

All People’s Life Center

The showcase facility and home base for the Therapeutics program is the All People’s Life Center (APLC), which opened in 2007. The 45,000 sq. ft. center has won awards for its design and accessibility. APLC was recognized in 2008 by the National Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) winning the Barrier Free Initiative Award. The facility was also recognized by the Hillsborough County Alliance for Citizens with Disabilities winning the Karen Jacobs Accessibility for All Award. The APLC not only serves as the home for the department’s therapeutic programs for people with special needs, it is also open to all persons with typical abilities. Every detail of the building exceeds ADA standards for accessibility, eliminating all barriers to participation for people with disabilities. The facility features a two-court full gymnasium, which can be divided by means of a curtain, two multi-purpose rooms, two classrooms, fully accessible playground, a dance room, a fitness center, a food-service grade kitchen, a paved walking trail, an outside basketball court and a multi-use field. The facility offers dance classes, martial arts, basketball leagues for residents at all levels of ability, plus community events and tournaments such as town hall meetings, wheelchair rugby and team handball.