CNY Adaptive Sports Brings Inclusive Athletics to JEHS PE Classes

Students at Jordan-Elbridge High School had a unique and inspiring experience in physical education class this week as CNY Adaptive Sports visited campus to lead Inclusive Sports Training sessions.

CNY Adaptive Sports is a registered not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities participate alongside their friends in indoor and outdoor athletic activities. Serving the greater Syracuse, Oswego, and Central New York communities, the organization’s roots trace back to the Syracuse Flyers wheelchair basketball team, founded in 1979. Today, its Inclusive Sports Training programs travel to local schools and organizations, giving students hands-on opportunities to experience adaptive athletics.

At JEHS, students were introduced to wheelchair basketball, wheelchair lacrosse and sled hockey — learning not only the rules and skills involved, but also gaining a deeper appreciation for the athleticism, strategy, and teamwork required in adaptive sports. After instruction from CNY Adaptive Sports staff, students had the opportunity to step into the chairs and sleds themselves, applying what they learned in friendly competition with their classmates.

JEHS Physical Education teacher Leslie Ahern said the experience was about more than just trying something new.

“This program helps open up our students’ minds to sports that are intentionally designed for players who have physical disabilities that limit their mobility,” Ahern said. “It builds understanding, empathy, and respect while showing that competitive, exciting athletics truly are for everyone.”

The visit not only expanded students’ understanding of inclusive athletics, but also reinforced the importance of accessibility and opportunity in sports. Through programs like this, JEHS students gained a new perspective — and a memorable, hands-on lesson in teamwork and inclusion.