A Lower Burrell mom is working with the city to present the first Alle-Kiski Inclusion Games for kids who can’t play traditional sports.
Courtney Kobelenske, a Lower Burrell mom and co-owner of Cora Lee Cupcakes in New Kensington, said she wanted to provide a fun, athletic event for her daughter, Cora, and other kids with a “couple extra quirks” that prevent them from playing traditional school sports.
She is launching the first Alle-Kiski Inclusion Games for children ages 5-21 who live in the Alle-Kiski Valley. The free event is set for Sept. 3 at Lower Burrell’s Kotecki Park.
Participants must register in advance.
Each child will receive a free T-shirt.
“We make it so no matter what your child has you don’t have to worry about your child being able to do something physical,” she said.
Activities include soccer, kickball, a cornhole tournament, softball distance throwing, relay races and other events. Game participants will receive free snacks, refreshments and awards.
“This is such a positive, needed event for those who don’t normally get to experience traditional team sports,” said Lower Burrell Councilman Chris Fabry.
“Courtney has done so much for the community over the years and this is the next step forward for her,” he said. “I’m honored to play a small part in it with her.”
Kobelenske thanked her family as well as Fabry, Lower Burrell administrator Amy Rockwell and Burrell physical education teacher Justin Miller for helping make the event happen.
Kobelenske’s menu of games was inspired by her daughter, Cora, 17, who will be a sophomore at Burrell and is on the autism spectrum. Cora has a muscle issue that prevents her from playing in many activities, Kobelenske said. However, her daughter can do other activities offered at the games.
“I tried to think of things that wouldn’t be hard for the kids to follow directions,” she said. “Nothing is over complicated, in a good way. We just want to have fun.”
Every child will have an adult buddy to get them through their activities, Kobelenske said.
She and her volunteers are planning for up to 75 participants for the games.
Family and other spectators are welcome to come. Just bring a chair, Kobelenske said. Fabry urged community members to come and show their support.
The Annual Alle-Kiski Inclusion Games is free for children ages 5-21. Participants must pre-register by calling 724-681-5498 or sending an email to courtneykobelenske@gmail.com. The rain date is Sept. 4.
