Developed in 1987 at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, the Las Floristas Wheelchair Sports Program currently provides 50 of Rancho’s in-and-outpatients with the opportunity to participate in a variety of competitive wheelchair sports and activities. Impressively many of our teams and athletes are among the best in the nation. More importantly, our athletes are becoming educated, goal-orientated, and productive members of society. To this end, each athlete is progressing scholastically and seasoned athletes serve as role models/peer tutors for our younger or newly injured participants.
With sports and activities geared toward both the very young child to the elite athlete, the Las Floristas Wheelchair Sports Program offers athletic competition for all ages. We aspire to assist each participant in the development of lifetime physical fitness behaviors, which can improve the overall quality of life and increase longevity. The program is staffed by accomplished athletes who have extensive education, training, and credentialing in the areas of Adapted Physical Education and Coaching. Not only are physical and skill development emphasized, but social and cognitive development are also essential. The evolution of teamwork, which our youth learn from watching and emulating the older athletes’ behavior, is a hallmark of this program and has created bonds that closely resemble family.
Rancho athletes compete in the fallowing sports: