The High Point Parks & Recreation’s “Special Populations” section has a new name and new energy.
It has just become ASPIRE – which stands for “Adaptive Sports, Programs and Inclusive Recreation,” and the section has a number of upcoming events planned for children with unique challenges.
In the past, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department has put on special events and built attractions with this group of kids in mind, but the ASPIRE name indicates a renewed effort through the section of the department dedicated to that purpose.
According to department officials, the new name “reflects the trends and issues in parks and recreation relative to inclusive programming and universal design.” Also, “The mission of this section is to provide social, emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritually stimulating recreation and leisure services to individuals with disabilities.”
Upcoming events include The Big Three Challenger Flag Football League, adaptive tennis and Halloween celebrations and holiday socials.
The services offered by the focused section of High Point Parks & Recreation are available to residents of the City of High Point as well as to those who live in the surrounding communities. Some of the programs are well known such as Camp Ann, the Miracle League of High Point and Special Olympics Guilford/High Point.
ASPIRE also offers unique opportunities like sports, recreation and events adapted to meet the needs of the participants. Those are things like the Super Social Supper Club, the annual holiday dances and fun and interesting day trips.
Other services provided are inclusion support and education, as well as training for individuals, families and community members.
Leanne Lyons, High Point Parks and Recreation’s ASPIRE supervisor, obviously likes the new name.
“To aspire is to direct one’s hopes or ambitions towards achieving something, to rise higher,” she said in a a city press release. “The ASPIRE team is committed to offering programs that positively affect people of all abilities for the greater good and directly benefit our participants and their families as they play, learn and enjoy through High Point Parks & Recreation.”
For more information on how to get involved or volunteer, those interested may call 336-883-3477.
