New York State Department of Health’s Helen Hayes Hospital Adaptive Sports & Recreation Program Participants Receive Donated Gear from Adidas for Global Week of Inclusion
November 27, 2024
Adaptive Gear Donation Celebrates Visibility and Inclusivity
The Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program at the New York State Department of Health’s Helen Hayes Hospital received a generous donation of 100 adaptive backpacks, filled with water bottles and hats, from global sportswear brand Adidas for Helen Hayes program participants. The donation was organized by Adidas employees as part of the company’s Global Week of Inclusion, which showcased the company’s commitment to fostering inclusivity across their brand and supporting adaptive sports.
The donation will directly benefit participants in Helen Hayes Hospital’s Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program, which offers individuals with physical disabilities opportunities to engage in recreational and competitive sports and activities. From wheelchair basketball and handcycling to adaptive kayaking, skiing, and hiking, the program empowers participants to lead active, fulfilling lives through the transformative power of sports and recreation.
“This generous donation of adaptive gear from Adidas will have a significant and meaningful impact on those who participate in the Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program at Helen Hayes Hospital,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “The unique specialty care offered at Helen Hayes is a testament to their compassion and puts them at the forefront of rehabilitative services on a global scale.”
Adidas’ Global Week of Inclusion is a company-wide initiative aimed at creating a more inclusive world. This year’s celebration focused on “Neurodiversity: Making the Invisible Visible” and included a celebration of adaptive sports and their many benefits. Helen Hayes Hospital’s Adapted Sports and Recreation Program is honored to have been selected for recognition during this special celebration, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to providing a comprehensive array of sports and recreation opportunities to patients and community members.
“Adidas’ donation will not only make a meaningful impact on the participants in our Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program but also serves as a powerful expression of support for our shared commitment to inclusivity,” said Yvonne Evans, Acting CEO of Helen Hayes Hospital.
Helen Hayes Hospital’s Adaptive Sports and Recreation Coordinator, Peter Gagliardo, expressed gratitude for the donation which will meet the unique needs of the program’s participants. Adidas’ adaptive backpack includes many useful features, such as larger zipper pulls and padded carry handles which can be attached to wheelchairs and scooters.
“Thank you so much to Adidas for not only coming up with an inclusive product, but for including people with disabilities in their global launch during their week of inclusion,” said Gagliardo.
Helen Hayes Hospital’s Adapted Sports and Recreation Program is the area’s largest four-season adapted program. The program offers sports and recreation opportunities to disabled individuals of all experience levels, including sled hockey, rowing, golf, baseball, waterskiing, kayaking, handcycling, gardening, bowling, adaptive video gaming, and more. Adapted equipment is provided as needed and all activities are free due to a grant from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation. To learn more, visit Helen Hayes Hospital’s Adapted Sports & Recreation webpage.
