The Angel City Sports Youth Competition in Studio City was a heartwarming display of determination, resilience, and community as young athletes with disabilities came together to compete in various adaptive sports.
Co-founder Clayton Frech emphasized the importance of getting kids and adults with disabilities involved in sports, not just for physical benefits but for the sense of community and empowerment it brings. The event featured activities like blind soccer, wheelchair basketball, and track-and-field, giving participants a chance to showcase their skills and compete with their peers.
One standout athlete, Theo Dawson, shared her journey from being a competitive dancer to becoming wheelchair dependent due to a rare disorder. Despite facing challenges and overcoming people’s expectations, Theo’s mother, Diane Dawson, highlighted the impact of events like the youth competition in expanding their world and fostering a sense of resilience.
Paralympian Ezra Frech, who mentored the young athletes, expressed his passion for empowering the next generation through sports. The competition not only showcased the athletes’ physical abilities but also highlighted the values of perseverance, community, and hope.
As parents cheered on their children, jumping over barriers and racing to the finish line, the message of inclusivity and support resonated throughout the event. Theo Dawson emphasized the importance of raising awareness about accessibility in sports and praised the strong sense of community fostered by Angel City Sports.
Overall, the inaugural Angel City Sports Youth Competition was a celebration of diversity, strength, and unity, leaving a lasting impact on all those involved.