UNI's Adapted Sports Camp helps kids with disabilities stay active

CEDAR FALLS - Jack Eherenman keeps helping those with disabilities.

The University of Northern Iowa recently wrapped up its sixth Adapted Sports Camp - for those with lower-limb disabilities - thanks to the efforts of its co-founder and director.

“We're an introductory sports camp,” Eherenman said. “A lot of the kids come in with not a lot of experience or some experience with sports. Our intent is to introduce the kids to the sport then teach them how to do the sport.”

The participants spend four days and three nights on campus.

“The first day we go out onto the UNI track,” said Eherenman, who owns Eherenman Construction in Waterloo. “We do track events and field events, including shot put and javelin.”

Other activities include basketball, volleyball, weight training and rock climbing.

“They're active from the morning until they go to bed,” Eherenman said.

While the number of people coming to the camp has not grown substantially over the past six years, Eherenman said his main focus is to raise awareness and respect for people with lower limb disabilities across the state of Iowa.

“I would say we've seen more growth with the individuals who come to camp,” he said. “I don't care if we have five kids or 25 kids. We still have a really good camp with a lot of opportunities to share with them and to push them to the next stage.”

Not only does Eherenman codirect the Adapted Sports Camp at UNI, he travels all over Eastern Iowa to help in many other groups and camps.

“I started a three-hour clinic at the YMCA about once a month to give the athletes the opportunity to come back for other things besides camp,” he said. “We have a lending program where we can lend (beginner athletes) racing chairs. We really encourage kids to go out and buy chairs so they can stay active during the year and participate in other sports.”

To learn more about the camp,

visit the camp on Facebook.