House of Sport helping limb different athletes participate in sports

JOHNSONCITY, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – An event this weekend at the Oakdale Commons is designed to inspire everyone to know that there are no limits on who can play sports.

Dick’s House of Sports is hosting an event called Everyone Plays. The adaptive field day is focused on helping those with limb loss and limb difference learn how they can participate.

The free event will be headlined by former linebacker Shaquem Griffin, the NFL’s first-ever one-handed player.

Community Marketing Coordinator Kim Myers has a daughter with a limb difference.

Myers, who is the daughter of Dick’s founder Dick Stack, says her father always taught his kids that there’s no such word as can’t.

“Everybody can play something, whatever you want, it’s just a matter of having somebody that looks like you show you how they do it, how they adapt, or how they overcome,” said Myers.

Throughout the day, participants will have a chance to try out soccer, golf, pickle ball, lacrosse, field hockey and basketball.

There will even be a special adaptive rock-climbing instructor coming to town with special harnesses.

Executive Director of the House of Sport Steven Franklin says folks without limb differences are also encouraged to attend as the event looks to break down barriers and normalize differences.

“To come out in a really safe environment. It’s for all ages and we’re going to be able to help people learn how to play sports that they might not have known that they could ever play before because of a limb difference,” said Franklin.

The day begins Saturday at 9 a.m. out on the House of Sport athletic field where Griffin will hold a clinic. Then, at 11, the Men’s and Women’s US Amputee Soccer Teams will give demonstrations.

The day, which is co-sponsored by the Hanger Clinic, continues with stations around the store until 3 p.m.

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