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Health & Fitness

Firefighters help LWSRA Buy Sport Wheelchairs

Firefighters from Mokena and New Lenox supported the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association by participating in fundraisers for program wheelchairs.

Mokena, New Lenox: Firefighters from the Mokena and New Lenox area took part in wheelchair basketball fundraisers to raise money for the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association’s (LWSRA) adaptive sports program. The fundraisers were held to purchase four new youth sport wheelchairs. The sport chairs help LWSRA’s youngest athletes with physical disabilities get involved in recreational activities that build confidence and a healthy lifestyle. The LWSRA Rolling Falcons played the Mokena Fire Protection District April 17th at Lincoln-Way East and the New Lenox Fire Protection District (NLFPD) on April 29th at Lincoln-Way Central High School.

“We had a great time at the event. It was an honor to participate in a great cause that helps out the Lincolnway Special Rec. Association,” stated Brian Applegate, Fire Inspector for NLFPD, “ It was also nice to see where all the donations went to and how the kids benefit from events like this.”

Members from both fire protection districts were able to see the result of their contributions, as athletes from LWSRA visited each station with their brand new program wheelchairs.

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This is the third year the Rolling Falcons have played the Mokena Firefighters and the first year for the New Lenox Fire Protection District in wheelchair basketball fundraiser games. The wheelchairs purchased by these fundraisers help LWSRA’s adaptive sports participants play basketball, softball and many other sports.

The Mokena Fire Department was represented by Scott Bukowski, Jim Cresto, Kevin Lenz, Todd Conwell, Bob McNellis, Tom Hug, Pete Cantore, Tim Boomsma, and Mike Laney. The New Lenox Fire Department was represented by Dennis Randolph, Tony Palkovitz, Brian Applegate, David Young, Randall Wright, Tom Van Tilburg, Lance Foster, Bryan Chap, Frank Hasik, and John Harkenrider.

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“We really want to thank all the firefighters for participating,” said Keith Wallace, assistant coach of the Rolling Falcons and Superintendent of LWSRA. “We look forward to making these[wheelchair basketball games] bigger and better next year.”

LWSRA has provided recreation and leisure services for individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities since 1976. Programs are offered for youth, teens and adults and include an adult daytime program, Special Olympics, wheelchair sports, dances and special events. For more information call (815) 464-2811 or visit www.lwsra.org.

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