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SPECIAL-NEEDS All net profits from STAR Soccer, the Scorpions
CHILDREN and Toyota Field flow to Morgan’s Wonderland to
help defray operating expenses as well as expand spe-
Continued from page 15 cial-needs programs and services. The Scorpions
franchise is the first in professional sports to exist
16 San Antonio Medicine • August 2015 solely for the benefit of a nonprofit.
Thanks to support from the Scorpions and gener-
ous donors, Morgan’s Wonderland also blends fun
with rehabilitation. The South Texas Regional Adap-
tive and Paralympic Sports (STRAPS) program en-
ables athletes of all ages with physical disabilities to
compete in eight programs – wheelchair soccer, pow-
erchair soccer, Paralympic soccer, goalball (a sport
similar to soccer for visually impaired athletes),
wheelchair football, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair
softball and Boccia. STRAPS is already a recognized
community partner of the United States Olympic
Committee (Paralympic Division) as a U.S. Para-
lympic Sports Club. STRAPS athletes pursue schol-
arships to play Paralympic sports in college and
membership on Paralympic national teams.
A PLACE FOR FUN, HEALING
The newest Wonderland, Texas, neighbor also spe-
cializes in rehabilitation. The Children’s Rehabilitation
Institute of TeletónUSA (CRIT USA) is a nonprofit
rehabilitation center for children who are born with or
who have suffered neurological, muscular or skeletal
disorders and injuries. (See story on page 18.)
“We’re absolutely delighted that CRIT USA de-
cided to locate in San Antonio,” Hartman said, “and
we’re thrilled they’ve partnered with Morgan’s Won-
Top: Equicizer mechanical horses in the Sen-
sory Village at Morgan’s Wonderland build
strength, balance, flexibility and confidence.
Photo by Robin Jerstad. Middle: The South Texas
Regional Adaptive and Paralympic Sports
(STRAPS) program at Morgan’s Wonderland en-
ables athletes of all ages with physical disabilities
to compete in eight sports. Photo by Robin Jerstad.
Bottom: The Children’s Rehabilitation Institute
of TeletónUSA partnership with Morgan’s Won-
derland enables young patients with physical dis-
abilities to do some of their physical therapy
sessions in the park. Photo by Brenda Pena.