Local Disabled Children Get Visit From Special Guest
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - In advance of this month's Paralympic Games in London, in the same arenas and locations as the Summer Olympics, USA wheelchair basketball head coach Jim Glatch visited Philadelphia, for a special camp for youngsters.
The Philadelphia-based organization, Katie's Komets, helps physically challenged children from age 7 through high school get involved in wheelchair basketball.
(Story continues below)
Founder Joe Kirlin is grateful for the use of Carousel House in Fairmount Park, near the Please Touch Museum.
"Philadelphia is the only city that has a recreation center dedicated to the disabled," said Kirlin.
And Jim Glatch, who also is the head coach at Edinboro Univeristy, near Erie Pa, even scouts for talent. One of his current players, Caitlin Chasar of North Wales, first visited the summer camp when she was about 10.
"Chas came to Edinboro a couple of years ago so what we've tried to do is bring in kids from the Philadelphia area from Katie's Komets," explained Glatch.
Caitlin, who is now 21 and going into her senior year at Edinboro, was helping younger, wheelchair-bound kids with their basketball skills.
"It's just a fun way to stay in shape. I just feel normal with these people," said Chasar.
