PIPERS Offers Free Sports For Youth With Disabilities

DEARBORN, MI —The city of Dearborn has announced details about PIPERS, a free sports program designed to increase access to opportunities for youth ages 5 to 18 with intellectual and physical disabilities.

PIPERS, which stands for Program for Inclusive Physical Exercise and Recreation Strategies, begins in September and runs through August 2022. The program's funding comes from a $95,000 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund that Dearborn received in 2019, according to the program's website.

The program is expected to have 90-minute weekly sessions during which participants will play t-ball (Sept.) soccer (Oct.), swimming (Nov. and Dec.), basketball (Jan. and Feb. 2022), swimming (March), t-ball (April), soccer (May) and cycling (June-Aug.).

The outdoor activities will take place at Dearborn parks, while the indoor activities will be staged at McCollough-Unis School, 7801 Maple St. Age groups will be: ages 5 to 8, ages 9 to 13 and ages 14 to 18.

"Physical activities are designed to improve movement skills ability, confidence and desire to be physically active for life (defined as physical literacy) and enhance overall fitness," organizers said in a release.

In addition to program staff, 12 student interns from the University of Michigan - Dearborn are expected to serve as coaches for the weekly sports classes. Leaders will facilitate physical activities and ensure the safety and enjoyment of the participants, organizers said.

Other partners in the PIPERS program are: the city of Dearborn, Dearborn Public Schools, Beaumont Health Center for Exceptional Families and Blue Hands United.

A PIPERS virtual information session is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 19. Anyone interested in registering for that session, signing up a participant for PIPERS or volunteering for the program can visit the PIPERS website.

Questions about the program should be directed to PIPERS Program Coordinator Tameka Citchen-Spruce, who can be reached at 947-517-7950, or by email at pipersdearborn@gmail.com.