The foundation of the Storm is our Sports and Athletic programming.
In previous years the Storm have participated in the following sports:
Basketball Volleyball Pickleball
Flag Football Swimming Dance
Track & Field Bocce Skating
Bowling Triathlon eSports
Softball Tennis Top Golf
Cheer Cycling Soccer
SPORTS WITH THE STORM ARE FOR EVERYONE REGAURDLESS OF ABILITY LEVEL, SPECIFIC NEEDS, OR DISABILITY
Athletes playing with the Storm range from the very talented to the very "social". This means there is a place for all abilities and motivation levels. We have members (on the spectrum or otherwise), who participate in a very "peripheral" manner, staying on the outside of the commotion and self-regulating themselves based on their tolerance of the setting. Sometimes just standing near their friends or adjacent to an activity is enough excitement or stimulation. We will always encourage participation but also respect the wishes of an adult who is expressing they don't want to do something. All members are encouraged to try any activity that interests them, even if they are not exceptionally talented or haven't tried it before.
All Storm athletic training starts at the most fundamental level with an emphasis on physical health and social development and all athletes are welcome to all sports. If a member misses Tennis on Friday because they "don't like the heat", they have also missed that opportunity to socialize, to exercise, and to contribute to their team. They are adults, it is absolutely their choice, but being busy (not bored or alone), keeping a normal sleep schedule, and remaining physically healthy is frequently a recipe for a good quality of life for adults with IDD.
For athletes with physical restrictions or more comprehensive behavioral needs there are aligned events for ever sport so that they too can compete. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns about your athlete's ability to participate.