Las Vegas Paralympic sports program for kids with disabilities in jeopardy

From KTNV-TV in Las Vegas:

A program designed to create an even playing field is in jeopardy. The Paralympic Sport Las Vegas junior program meets every Wednesday to teach kids all different sports. But the city may have to get rid of it.

7-year old Blake Dickinson suffers from spina bifida, but working with two wheels doesn't get him down, partially because he plays sports.

"I can do every sport in a wheelchair," Blake says.

Blake learned he could do these sports through the Paralympic Sport Las Vegas program. Action News caught up with the adult class shooting some hoops.

"We do basketball, we do rugby, we do power soccer, we do archery, we do absolutely every Paralympic sport that exists," coach Bill Eddins says.

Because they hold the junior class every Wednesday night, Blake's been able to learn all those team sports.

"I just like that I can play with other kids like me," Blake says.

But even though all the sports chairs, balls and equipment are bought, paid for, and completely free for the kids, the city may soon have to shut the junior program down.

"Its staffing, we have to have gym time, we have to have the lights on we have to have the air conditioner on," coach Eddins says.

Not enough kids are showing up. About a dozen less this year than last. They need at least six to show up and are averaging about three.

"It allows you to realize your child is normal that he's just like any other child. He has wants, desires, same physical appetites, wants to run out there and play," Blake's mom, Linda Dickinson says.

And he needs new kids to sign up so he gets to keep playing.

The program is completely free. You don't have to be in a wheelchair to participate. Any child with a physical disability is invited.