CAF Florida is proud to sponsor the Florida High School Adaptive Track and Field Program and provide racing wheelchairs and adaptive shot put equipment to interested high school students. The program went into effect in the 2009-2010 school years and had much success. This year, our number of participants grew and inevitably changed students’ lives. One such student is high school senior Damarius Gray. Take a look at his great story below.
For many of us, our goals for physical action are hampered more from our lack of dedication to practice than any other obstacle. Damarius Gray, a senior at Ft. Pierce Central High School, had the desire and the dedication but could not find the right sport fit. That all changed this year when Damarius had the opportunity to participate in Adaptive Track & Field, thanks to the inspiration of Jay Stewart, District Athletic Director, the tireless support of Coach Todd Cash and Physical Therapist, Tricia Causby, and the unrelenting spirit of Damarius himself.
Damarius before one of his track meets
Damarius, who uses a wheelchair for mobility, had to work on his flexibility, strength and endurance to be able to perform in adaptive track. He had to learn how to access the track chair, find his balance, and work on his posture to bend forward in the chair and lift his head to be able to stay in a lane while propelling the chair. Tricia Causby, Physical Therapist, shares, “This was a whole new experience for all of us involved. I am so proud of Damarius for sticking with it and training to do his best. It is a true testament to his character and strength of will that he stayed committed when he has never had to stress the physical limits of his body in this capacity in his entire life.”
Damarius pushed hard during his meets
Coach Todd Cash worked with Damarius beginning in January, 2011. In order to provide a safe practice environment, the pair trained at Dan McCarty School or waited until later in the day to practice when the Lawnwood facility was not crowded with other athletes. Coach Cash shared, “Everyone embraced what they were doing; coaches, spectators, and other athletes. We never heard a negative word.”
Damarius also participated in the shot put with an adaptive throwing chair
Coach Cash also worked with local businesses to modify the racing wheelchair that was on loan from the Challenged Athletes Foundation® Florida. Classic Car Coating painted the chair in FPC’s purple and gold colors and added cobra graphics. Atlantic Precision worked with Todd Cash to design a roller rack so Damarius could use the wheelchair in a stationary position for practicing. Damarius has the Cobra uniform and equipment with school colors. He is a Cobra athlete.
His great chair, all painted and special training plate, all donations thanks to local businesses
Coach Cash stated that “this experience has been a life style change for Damarius. He has lost 28 pounds, built upper body strength, and was on the ‘B’ honor roll for his last two marking periods.” Damarius is even keeping Coach on the right track. As they traveled to meets, Damarius told Coach he had to eat in a healthy way. “No more all you can eat ribs!” says Damarius We should be proud of Damarius’ accomplishments and the true community spirit of all involved. Damarius not only earned three gold medals and set a state record in the shot put; he has also set a path for a bright future.
Damarius after receiving one of his medals for racing. Great job Damarius!
If you’d like more information on the adaptive high school track and field program, or the loaner chair program, please visit www.fhsaa.org/sports/track-field-adapted or email info@caffla.org with your questions. We hope more of you join!
