About Our Program

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to participate in sports. The New Balance Adaptive Sports program transforms the lives of children with physical and cognitive disabilities. Through our inclusive and personalized approach, we offer a range of adaptive sports and active recreation activities, fostering fun and growth in a secure environment tailored to individual ability levels.

About the Director

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Paul Ward, Director of Adaptive Sports

Paul received his Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Sports and Tourism and his Master of Science in Sports Management from the University of Illinois.  Additionally, he has a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Suffolk University and has completed the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program from UMASS Chan Medical School.  Most recently he was Coordinator of Adaptive Programming at NYC Parks. In his free time, Paul enjoys playing wheelchair basketball, kayaking, and exploring Boston. 

Contact Information:

Email: PaWard@franciscanchildrens.org
Phone: 617-779-5475

Sports Offered

  • Adaptive Baseball
  • Adaptive Basketball
  • Adaptive Bike Riding
  • Adaptive Cheer
  • Adaptive Dance
  • Adaptive Gymnastics
  • Adaptive Martial Arts
  • Adaptive Track
  • Adaptive Skating
  • Adaptive Soccer
  • Adaptive Summer Camp
  • Adaptive Sailing
  • Adaptive Skiing
  • Adaptive Swim
  • Wheelchair Basketball
  • Wheelchair Tennis
  • Wheelchair Track
  • Adaptive Hiking & Kayaking
  • Adaptive Windsurfing, Canoeing, & Paddleboarding

Toddler Programs (for children ages 2 – 5)

  • Adaptive Basketball
  • Adaptive Soccer
  • Adaptive Track
  • Tumbling Tots

Programs that we offer through community partners include:

  • Adaptive Swim Lessons – Oak Square YMCA
  • Adaptive Hiking and Kayaking – Waypoint Adventure
  • Adaptive Windsurfing, Canoeing, and Paddleboarding – AccesSportAmerica
  • Adaptive Sailing – Impossible Dream
  • Adaptive Skiing – New England Disabled Sports and New England Healing Sports Association

Preregistration is required for all programs.

Registration

To stay up to date on our program offerings and to register your child, sign up for our email updates by filling out this form.

Current Registration Form for Winter 2026 Programming

To register your child for our Winter 2026 programming, please complete this form here and email it to Paul Ward.

Interested in Volunteering?

Please complete our volunteer sign-up form. You must be 17 years of age or older to volunteer.

For details about this program, please contact Paul Ward at PaWard@franciscanchildrens.org or by phone at 617-779-5475.