ReCreating Opportunities for Lil' Athletes

  • 07 July 2014

Last year, NFAR awarded a $10,000 Community Project Grant to ReSpectrum Community, a local non profit, for its Lil' Athletes Soccer and Lil' Explorer nature walk recreation programs (for children ages 4-10 years old).

ReSpectrum1The funding has been used to further develop the staff, expand services to a second location, as well as offer reduced fees and scholarships to families. 

Recreational programs have been shown to enhance quality of life, improve physical and mental health, as well as feelings of community inclusion and involvement for its participants.

ReSpectrum Community integrates evidence-based practices of applied behavior analysis (ABA), social skills and adaptive physical fitness instruction into its ReCreate soccer program. The Program staff utilizes behavioral strategies to address each Lil' Athlete's social skills, behavior and independence goals.

According to Dr. Olinger, President of ReSpectrum "the grant has allowed for the recreation program and curriculum to be continuously developing to fit each participants skill level."

ReSpectrum now offers the Lil' Athletes Soccer program in Rancho Bernardo and La Mesa. The Lil'Explorers Nature Walks program has been alternating between North County and San Diego locations so that families can pick walks that are feasible for them. To learn more about some of the upcoming Nature Walks or for more information, visit ReSpectrum Community.