SAN ANTONIO - Pennie Adams never really thought about her two daughters playing soccer, but she is excited for the girls; both in wheelchairs.
Some children and adults with physical disabilities and special needs have joined a new soccer program at Morgan's Wonderland called South Texas Regional Adaptive and Paralympic Soccer (STRAPS).
"It's really cool because we get to learn how to do stuff on our own," said an 8-year-old team member.
Boeing and the San Antonio Scorpions pro soccer team sponsor the program, which offers recreational and competitive soccer in a unique program.
“So we have power soccer, wheelchair soccer, Paralympic soccer and in the spring we will have Special Olympic soccer," said Wendy Gumbert.
The sports director said teams are still forming for others who would like to join.
In a wheelchair practice drill, players with disabilities use fitted bumpers to protect themselves and to help propel the ball.
Pennie Adams watched her daughters Makayla and Mariah practice. Adams is proud of her new title, soccer mom.
"Oh my gosh, I’m going to be a soccer mom. I was already running up and down the court saying, pass the ball," said Adams.
The excited mother added more, "Now Makayla can go to school and say I'm playing soccer. She is very excited about it."
For more information about STRAPS, you can contact Wendy Gumbert, sports director, or visit
www.MorgansWonderland.com.
