Schreiber Summer Olympics: Where Pediatric Patients Shine on the World Stage

In the midst of the global excitement surrounding the 2024 Summer Olympics, another remarkable athletic event is taking place closer to home in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development has launched its own Schreiber Summer Olympics, where children with disabilities, developmental delays, and acquired injuries are showcasing their bravery and determination on the world stage.

Empowering Pediatric Patients to Reach New Heights

Celebrating Extraordinary Accomplishments

The Schreiber Summer Olympics, which ran from July 22 to August 2, provided a unique opportunity for the children in Schreiber's speech, occupational, and physical therapy programs to participate in a wide range of traditional Olympic activities, tailored to their individual needs and abilities. From field hockey and tennis to judo and basketball, these young athletes demonstrated their resilience, skill, and unwavering spirit, inspiring all who witnessed their remarkable feats.

Fostering Inclusion and Empowerment

The event was conceived by Bernie Hershey, an occupational therapist with 21 years of experience at the Schreiber Center. Hershey's vision was to create an environment where the children could feel celebrated and empowered, while also continuing to work towards their therapy goals. The Schreiber Summer Olympics not only provided a platform for the children to showcase their talents but also fostered a sense of inclusion and community, ensuring that each participant felt like a true champion.

Leveraging Expanded Facilities

The Schreiber Center's recent expansion has been a valuable asset during the Schreiber Summer Olympics. The new therapy garden, playground, private therapy treatment rooms, specialized gyms, and speech therapy suite have all been utilized to host the various Olympic events, allowing the children to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Parental Appreciation and Gratitude

Tyara Borsella, a parent of Schreiber kid Kyrain, expressed her deep appreciation for the Schreiber Summer Olympics, stating, "Schreiber always makes Kyrain feel like a champion, but special activities and events like the Schreiber Summer Olympics just bring it to a whole new level of inclusion that I'm so grateful for." This sentiment echoes the sentiments of many other parents whose children have benefited from the Schreiber Center's unwavering commitment to empowering and supporting their young patients.

Fostering Resilience and Confidence

The Schreiber Summer Olympics have not only provided a platform for the children to showcase their athletic abilities but have also played a crucial role in fostering their resilience and confidence. By participating in these events, the young athletes have learned to overcome challenges, push their limits, and celebrate their achievements, ultimately empowering them to reach new heights in their personal and therapeutic journeys.

Inspiring the Community and Beyond

The Schreiber Summer Olympics have not only impacted the lives of the children and their families but have also inspired the broader community. The event has shone a spotlight on the incredible abilities and determination of these young athletes, challenging societal perceptions and promoting a greater understanding and appreciation for individuals with disabilities and developmental delays.The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development continues to be a beacon of hope and empowerment for the children and families it serves, and the Schreiber Summer Olympics is a testament to the center's unwavering commitment to helping its patients reach their full potential.