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Kinetic Kids: Sports and Recreation for All Abilities

Kinetic Kids was founded in 2001 by San Antonio pediatric physical therapists Tracey Fontenot and Kacey Wernli. As Ms. Fontenot and Ms. Wernli worked as physical therapists for children with physical disabilities, they discovered an absence of sports and recreational programs for children with special needs in San Antonio.

There were no community programs that would allow children with physical disabilities but normal intelligence to participate in activities similar to the children’s peers. Seeing a gap in services for these children, Tracey & Kacey developed a solution, mobilized community volunteers, and started Kinetic Kids.

The first program in 2001 was a t-ball league comprised of 12 children. Since then, parents, participants, physicians, and  physical therapists have contributed to the success of Kinetic Kids by identifying needs and helping to form, develop, and run new classes. Kinetic Kids has expanded to serve children with cognitive disabilities as well, and this year will serve more than 1,200 children with special needs through 80+ programs and classes.

What is Kinetic Kids?

Kinetic Kids is a San Antonio nonprofit organization that provides sports,

recreation, and educational programs for children with disabilities who

may otherwise be excluded. It serves children and adolescents with

special needs like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down syndrome, autism,

brain tumors, childhood cancers, and other neurological disorders.

 
Success! As a result of participating in Kinetic Kids programs:
• 92% of children with special needs learned and mastered a new skill.
• 88% of children with special needs demonstrated an increase in activity level.
• 81% of children with special needs showed an increase in self-esteem.

What Do Parents Say About Kinetic Kids
“What has Kinetic Kids done for our child and for our family? It gives our child a place to belong, a way to
participate, a way to feel part of the group. It gives our daughter the opportunity to put her disability aside for a
bit and dance, tumble, cheer and laugh. It gives her the chance to be on a stage and perform. It gives her a
chance to be on the inside. It gives her family the chance to celebrate her abilities. For a parent of a child with a
disability, there is no greater gift.” –Peggy Neal

Programs
Kinetic Kids programs are designed and facilitated by physical and occupational therapists. Activities
include:

http://www.kinetickidstx.org