August, 2024 – At CHJS, we’re all about leveraging the inherent healing aspects of sport to support all kids and their communities. But what happens when the playing field isn’t level to begin with? Enter our awesome new teammates: the Jordan Thomas Foundation (JTF). JTF, founded by Jordan Thomas, who lost both legs in a boating accident at 16, is on a mission to ensure that kids with limb differences thrive. In addition to providing prostheses, JTF provides support, community, and the chance for their kids to be, well, kids.
CHJS + JTF = A Whole New Ball Game
We at CHJS know brains and sports. JTF knows prostheses and the unique challenges faced by kids with limb differences. How lucky are we to team up to create healing-centered sports spaces where every kid can feel like an MVP? We are so excited to partner to help create inclusive sports for kids with limb differences. In a nutshell, or could we be so bold in our nerdiness and to say instead – in an amygdala (which when translated from Greek to English means ‘almond’…get it?), we’re pretty grateful to have collaborated with JTF on a few events.
- Brain-Based Coaching and Parenting: CHJS hosted a virtual huddle with JTF parents, breaking down how stress affects the brain and how sports can be a game-changer for kids dealing with the overwhelming stress and trauma of feeling “different.”
- Family Field Day: CHJS traveled to Tennessee to hang with over 45 JTF families, turning complex neuroscience into fun, active learning for both parents and kids. Because let’s face it, “amygdala” is more fun to say when you’re jumping around.
- Kid-Centered Coaching: We took the work further by working directly with 30 young athletes with limb loss, teaching them about their brains and bodies through movement. It’s like a science class, but way more fun and with less risk of accidentally setting something on fire.
From our JTF friend, Michelle: “Armond was absolutely fantastic with our kids and parents. The sessions he prepared were fun, energetic, and education for everyone.”
Leveling Up
This dream team of CHJS and JTF is just getting warmed up. We’re sketching out plans for several inclusive sports for kids with limb differences:
- Wheelchair Basketball Collaboration: Many of the JTF kids are standout wheelchair basketball players with college scholarships already in hand. We’re excited about the possibility of teaming up with wheelchair basketball teams, players, and coaches to create new training opportunities and elevate the game for these incredible athletes.
- Paralympic Pathways: We’re envisioning a future where our collaboration opens doors into the Paralympic arena. While being an athlete isn’t a requirement for JTF kids, the JTF alumni include some amazing Paralympians. By addressing mental health needs at both the youth and young adult levels, we aim to provide support and inspiration for athletes at every stage of their journey.
- Continuing Education: We look forward to expanding the reach of CHJS and JTF together through ongoing education opportunities for the JTF Kids and parents, their sports coaches, and community partners to ensure more young athletes have access to inclusive and uplifting sport experiences.
The Bigger Picture
Let’s zoom out for a second. This isn’t only about sports or prosthetics – it’s about reimagining what’s possible. By teaming up, we’re showing that when you combine brain science with heart, you get a whole new ball game.
We’re not just helping kids with limb differences play sports. We’re revolutionizing how society views ability, potential, and healing. Every time a kid with a prosthetic leg scores a goal or a child with a limb difference learns to regulate their emotions through movement, we’re rewriting the rules of the game.
This collaboration is a testament to what happens when we stop asking, “How can these kids fit into our sports?” and start asking, “How can we create sports that fit all kids?” It’s about building a world where every young person has the chance to experience the transformative power of play.
So, here’s to breaking barriers, building confidence, and proving that everyone deserves a chance to play. With CHJS and JTF on the same team, we’re not just changing the score–we’re changing the entire playbook.
Game on, limitations off!
Want to learn more about JTF? Visit their website https://jordanthomasfoundation.org/
Help us build the healing-centered sport movement. Reach out to us today at team@chjs.org