Cycling is synonymous with the spring season, given its call for us to be outdoors and the abundance of trails in Pennsylvania to take in the gorgeous blooms, colors and smells.
For some, it’s also a time to reunite with friends to enjoy partaking in seasonal physical activities together. For those living with a physical disability who feel they can’t relate to any of the above due to physical limitations, the Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports (PCAS) makes all of the above possible for people of all abilities.
Larry Way participates in PCAS’s full cycling season, which runs from April through October. (Photos submitted by PCAS and Larry Way)
Exton Park
The start of their cycling season begins from Exton Park in Chester County on April 12 and runs weekly through October.
“I’m looking forward to the start of the PCAS cycling season when I’ll be together with all my friends, both athletes and volunteers, who participate in this incredible program,” said Larry Way, 77, of Chester County, who is a regular cycling participant with PCAS.
“Beyond these friendships and camaraderie, I especially enjoy the beauty of the Chester Valley Trail and the opportunity to challenge myself physically and mentally in meeting my cycling goals.”
He added that the Chester Valley Trail offers flat, paved terrain that’s ideal for recreational riders.
Larry Way, sitting on the hand-powered bike, looks forward to seeing his cycling buddies through PCAS at the start of their new cycling season next month. (Photos submitted by PCAS and Larry Way)
Children and adults with disabilities
For Way, who has had paralysis in his legs since childhood, caused by Polio, PCAS has become an important part of his life in keeping up with many aspects of his wellness. The nonprofit caters to both children and adults with disabilities.
PCAS has a mission to serve all abilities through adapted sports. (Photos submitted by PCAS and Larry Way)
According to PCAS’s website, the nonprofit’s programs “help participants build and maintain strength and function, improve emotional health, and develop lifelong friendships through engagement in sports and recreation in the community.”
They provide equipment, venues, instruction, training, and encourage volunteers for all of their participants.
PCAS’s mission is to “improve the health and well-being of people with disabilities through inclusive sport, wellness and recreation programs,” such as their adapted cycling program.
PCAS meets Sundays at Exton Park, 140 Church Farm Ln., Exton, from 1 to 3 p.m. beginning April 12 and through October. For more information, visit www.centeronline.com
