2023
STRIDE Adaptive Sports — 2nd Annual Upstate NY Sled Hockey Tournament and Free Sled Hockey Clinic
The 2nd Annual Upstate STRIDE Sled Hockey Invitational sponsored by the Dralla Foundation was held October 20th — 22nd, 2023 at the Albany County Hockey Facility. The weekend consisted of games on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and a 'Learn to Play' session following Sunday's game, with over 150 attendees in all and 'Learn to Play' participants rnaging in age from 10 to 60!
The event celebrated the hard work of all the members of the teams as they approached the official start ot their season. Thanks to great local media coverage, the event also inspired many newcomers to take up the increasing popular sport of Sled Hockey — an unforgettable event for all!
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab — Dralla Hockey for Everyone Day
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab hosted the first ever Dralla Hockey for Everyone Day at the McFetridge Sports Center in Chicago, IL. The even took place on thursday, October 26th, 2023 — a 'no-school' day for the Chicago Public Schools. It was truly an unforgettable day, as many of the children and teens never thought they would be able to get ont he ice and play hockey. Also in attendance were adult members of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Blackhawks sled hockey team, who coached the youth alongside program staff. The day ended with a scrimmage and shootout.
"It was so special to be able to see the kids play around on the ice. It was a day filled with laughter and excitement. I'M so glad we host the event!" said Walter, one of the adult players on-hand to teach the participants all about the great sport of sled hockey.
Luke5 Adaptive Caesar Creek State Park Hiking Event Series
Using Dralla funds, Luke5 was able to provide 3 kids, 1 teen, and 5 adults, all living with diabilities, access to trails in natural spaces previously unavailable to them. Using special adaptive off-road equipment, the participants enjoyed unforgettable hikes and treks in the beautiful 3,741-acre Caesar Creek State Park in southwestern Ohio.
Disabled Athletes Sports Association (DASA) — Camp WeCanDu Waterski Day
DASA hosted the Adaptive Day on The Water, which took place on June 22nd, 2023 as part of their WeCanDu summer camp. Overall, 60+ campers with diabilities, ages 7-18, participated in the day in some form. Each camper had an opportunity to experience adaptive waterskiiing, tubing, and boating, as well as swimming and playing in the sand on the beach, making it an unforgettable day for all!
Catalyst Sports — "Dralla Presents Southeast Paraclimbing Competition"
Dralla funds were used to hold the first ever regional paraclimbing competition in the Southeast. This community-centered competition was for both experienced climbers and those new to the sport. The event was a great opportunity to compete against other adaptive climbers and a chance to gain competition experience within a supportive community.
Participants included 18 adults and 3 youth; for many, this was their very first competition. Everyone who competed had a physical disability except those who climbed in the blind category where they had a visual impairment. USA Climbing Para setters designed routes specifically to match each category to help level the playing field and allow everyone to climb a route that was build with no limitations to their disability.
The unforgettable event included a 'finals comp' which can be very intimidating for someone to climb in the spotlight on the big stage. For the particpants, organizers, volunteers, and spectators, this was a thrilling way to conclude the event!
Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges Adaptive Rafting Experience
Dralla funds provided individuals with physical diabilities the opportunity to experience an unforgettable day of river rafting on the Illinois River. Participants were transported in accessive vehicles from Tulsa to Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The day was gorgeous, not too hot, and not much traffic on the water — perfect conditions for this first-time outdoor adventure!
All Abilities Productions Upstate New York, "Snoopy the Musicial"
This was the brainchild of an actor with spina bifida who had long been pleading with the local theatrical community for acting roles and technical jobs. He was refused time and time again due to people's preconceived notions about people with diabilities; they couldn't look past his wheelchair. He decided to start his own company to provide others with diabilities the opportunity to join in theatrical arts. He used Dralla funds to present "Snoopy the Musicial;" auditioning people of all abilities to fill on stage and behind-the-scenes technical roles in a way that was rarely, if ever, done before within the disabled community.