Each year, athletic council and CA athletes try to rally school support for big athletic events. This year instead of the usual green face paint and T-shirts CA will do something a little more meaningful on Pingree Day, something that we hope will have a lasting impact on the community.
On Saturday, October 20, CA will raise funds for cerebral palsy— a disability that affects one of the school’s own community members.
Luke Seston, son of Sally Zimmerli and Tim Seston, is very much like his pre-school peers. He swims, rides a tricycle, sings his favorite songs, reads picture books, plays computer games, enjoys a variety of sports, and loves being with friends and family. Some of these activities he does on his own, but for others he needs help. Luke was born with cerebral palsy (CP). The pathways from his brain to his muscles do not work the same way as most children. The high tone in his arms and legs make it more difficult to maintain balance or allow him to walk.
Because of Luke's disability, he has different experiences than able-bodied children. In some cases he is excluded due to the very nature of his physical limitations. At other times adaptations are made so that he can participate. Then there are times when Luke is the center of attention. He is a motivated young boy who will need to manage all of these different roles as he grows up.
The Chandler Bowl for Changing Lives is an event to highlight and celebrate the unique relationships that we all share and to encourage inclusive experiences for all children. The day is about competing and connecting to the community.
Members of the boys and girls soccer teams from both Concord Academy and Pingree School will receive a T-shirt with the Chandler Bowl for Changing Lives logo emblazoned on it. In order to raise money for this worthwhile cause, similar T-shirts will be on sale for the spectators. Donations will also be collected throughout the day. All the money received will go to the Minutekids Afterschool Program and, more specifically, to sponsor a child with cerebral palsy to attend the program.
The T-shirt serves as a reminder of Luke’s story and encourages us all to remember that a small gesture can make a big difference. We believe in the power of athletics and in creating opportunities for children like Luke to share in the benefit of being a part of a team.
We hope that you can all rally behind this cause, and show your support for Luke, as we try to make The Chandler Bowl for Changing Lives an unforgettable event!