Rain doesn't damper kids' enjoyment at Alle-Kiski Inclusion Games

Storms called off Saturday’s Alle-Kiski Inclusion Games earlier than anticipated, but 16-year-old Logan Sanchez didn’t seem to mind the rain.

“I like all of it,” said Sanchez, a student at Burrell High School. “I like hanging out with friends, even in the rain.”

The third-annual Inclusion Games was held Saturday at K-9 Officer Derek Kotecki Park in Lower Burrell. The event aims to give children with special needs opportunities to participate in sports that they otherwise might not get, said event organizer Courtney Kobelenske.

“It’s very overwhelming,” Kobelenske said. “Everybody wants to be here. It’s heartfelt.”

The event has grown over the years, Kobelenske said. Her inspiration for the event stems from her 19-year-old daughter, Cora, who is on the autism spectrum and has a muscle issue that prevents her from participating in traditional athletic activities.

While thunder and lightning cancelled the event about a half-hour in, Kobelenske said she may coordinate another Inclusion Games later this fall.

The games had about 30 participants, and more than 60 volunteers. Volunteers included Burrell High School cheerleaders, boys’ and girls’ soccer teams, Moose Lodge members, city council and school board members, and family and friends.

Laura Sopchack’s 8-year-old daughter, Ellia, enjoyed making her way through the different events, which included an obstacle course, cornhole, a ring toss and javelin throw.

“It’s nice having everybody cheer her on,” said Laura, of Lower Burrell.

Melissa Boyer of Lower Burrell has volunteered with the games since they started. Her oldest daughter, Kierstin, had participated in prior games and her younger daughter, Taylor, volunteered with the soccer team this year.

“Having a child with special needs, a lot of times there’s not a lot of activities for them to feel included,” Boyer said. “This definitely gives them the opportunity to feel included.”