LOUISVILLE, Ky. — These athletes are on the start line of the track and a new JCPS program for kids with physical disabilities.
One of these athletes is Fairdale High School freshman Brayden Tiernan, who competed in the 400 meter and 100 meter race on Wednesday.
“I’m a competitive person and this gets. It’s all at an even pace, where, you know, they try to keep it completely fair and have where everybody is going through the same things,” Brayden said.
Brayden joined the team after travelling to competitions across the nation to race. Now, he can race here in Louisville.
“It’s amazing. Everyone is trying to help out each other, give each other tips. We’re all rooting for each other. Like at the end of every race, if you’re not competing, you’ll be cheering for teammates.”
He’s able to train and race with student athletes like him.
“Getting a chance where to meet so many people who are going through similar life experiences as you.”
This is the same reason Laura Duncan, who is a physical therapist for JCPS, is the co-head of the inaugural team. Duncan works with kids who have physical disabilities and has kids of her own who are adaptive athletes.
“I had this vision a couple years ago, and JCPS really just ran with it and thought it was a great idea. And to see the kids out here, just on a Wednesday night or you know on the weekend, they’re [doing] what everybody else is [doing] on the weekend and the parents are in the stands,” Duncan said.
JCPS funds the adaptive sports team and provides athletes a track wheelchair.
“These kids are really really athletic and are like all the other kids and have a drive to compete, they want to get out there and work hard they just needed an avenue that was the most appropriate for them so they have just taken to it and are working really hard.”
For Patrick Tiernan, Brayden’s dad, the team has allowed him to bond with the other families.
“You grow together, you cry together, you laugh together. Some of the challenges that you all share. Some of the different challenges others have and just be able to have that resource. And it is a community, you know, if you need somebody, you have someone you can talk to that knows intimately what we’re dealing with,” Tiernan said.
“I never thought I’d like this. I didn’t think I would like wheelchair basketball, and I tried it and loved it and just don’t be afraid to try, don’t be afraid to fail,” Brayden said.
Though these kids have reached the finish line of their race, the gun has just gone off for the start of a large JCPS adaptive sports team.
The team plans to add more sports, including seated volleyball and archery.