Local group gives disabled children a swing at activity

Like many parents, John Lorek takes his children to sports practices during the week and attends their games on weekends.

Lorek's children, however, do not play in traditional leagues or on school teams. Ryne, 6, has been diagnosed with muscular cerebral palsy and ocular albinism, leaving him unable to see more than 10 feet in front of him. Samantha, 10, has microcephaly, meaning her head is three times smaller than girls her age, and her brain grows abnormally. Both children's disabilities leave them unable to participate in sports with non-disabled children.

After being unable to enroll his children in sports programs, Lorek decided to organize a sports league for disabled individuals that did not have limits on age or abilities. With co-founders Felix Madrid and Travis Duncan, Lorek created Central Texas Ability Sports in 2011.

The organization started with a $5,000 donation from Pitch In For Baseball, a used sports equipment charity.

"Giving kids with special needs the opportunity to participate fully in a sport is something that we take great pride in being a part of," Pitch In Executive Director David Rhode said. "We were anxious to do all we could to help."

CTAS is based in Hutto but serves all of Williamson County and includes team members from Bastrop, Austin, Pflugerville and other cities. The organization started with about 30 children and now has more than 75 registered for different sports throughout the year. Members play baseball in the spring, golf and water activities in the summer, kickball in the fall and basketball in the winter.

CTAS allows members to play alongside their siblings and parents, so games and practices are played by both disabled and non-disabled individuals.

Disabled players are able to learn skills such as team work, cooperation and sportsmanship through the league. More importantly, Lorek said, it makes them feel like "normal kids."

"We focus on what the kids can do, rather than what they can't do," he said.

Students from Southwestern and Concordia universities and community volunteers also contribute time to the league.

"Our organization is just one huge family," Lorek said. "Every week, a child grows."

CTAS is now working to build a special abilities sports park in the area. The nonprofit has raised nearly half of the anticipated $300,000 needed with the assistance of the Cal Ripkin Sr. Foundation.

Interested players and volunteers can visit the CTAS website at www.ctxabilitysports.com for more information.

CTAS upcoming events

March 9–Celebrity Bowling Challenge

• A CTAS benefit event with bowling, a silent auction and raffle. Local sports celebrities are available for a meet and greet.
• 2–6 p.m. at Showplace Lanes, 9504 N. I-35, Austin

March 23–Awards ceremony

• Awards for the basketball season are given to participants.
• Noon at Rio Grande Tex-Mex Restaurant, 560 Hwy. 79, Hutto

512-212-1259, www.huttochallenger.webs.com