Appleton high schoolers with disabilities will be able to participate in varsity sports
APPLETON – High schoolers with disabilities in the Appleton Area School District will have a chance to play varsity athletics this fall.
As part of the Fox Valley Association Adapted Sports League, Appleton students will compete against athletes from other local districts in soccer, floor hockey and wiffleball. All of the sports will be played indoors.
Current ninth through 12th graders are encouraged to sign up now, if they’d like to participate.
Here’s a look at the details of the adapted sports league, according to information shared by the district in a news release and available on the district website.
Who can participate in the league?
All students who qualify for special education or a 504 plan who are not able to safely or successfully participate on existing teams.
They must be under the age of 22 and are only eligible for four years while in high school.
Students must have medical clearance to play and maintain a 1.5 grade point average or higher each quarter.
When will each sport be played, and what about practices?
The three sports will be spread across the school year. There will be indoor soccer from September to October, field hockey from January to February and wiffleball in May.
Athletes will practice once a week for 60 to 90 minutes. There will be games at 4 p.m. once or twice a week, according to a schedule on the district website.
Busing will be provided for games, but students are responsible for arranging transportation to and from practices.
Who will they compete against?
Games will be played between Hortonville, Oshkosh North, Oshkosh West and Appleton East, North and West high schools.
The chance to earn a varsity letter
Athletes can earn a varsity letter by participating in all three sports. They must attend and participate in 22 of the 24 practices and games throughout all three sport seasons.
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Peer helpers are needed
The district is looking for other students to be peer helpers to encourage school spirit and inclusion.
It would be great if students could commit to helping with all three sports, but it isn’t required.
Students who are interested can fill out a Google form on the district website.
Who can families contact if they are interested?
Contact Stacy Wickershiem at wickershiemsta@aasd.k12.wi.us with questions.
Where can I learn more?
The district website includes an information sheet with eligibility criteria and other details.
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Reach AnnMarie Hilton at ahilton@gannett.com or 920-370-8045. Follow her on Twitter at @hilton_annmarie.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Appleton to offer sports league for high schoolers with disabilities
