Supporting Adaptive Sports for Children with Disabilities

Paulette Belser is organizing this fundraiser to benefit Central Florida Dreamplex Foundation, Inc..

Tax deductible

Help Us Empower Young Athletes in Central Florida!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our online fundraiser benefiting the Orlando Magic Dreamers Youth Wheelchair Basketball Team—the only adaptive sports team in Central Florida! Our program provides a unique opportunity for youth athletes with physical disabilities to develop skills, build confidence, and compete in the exciting sport of wheelchair basketball under the guidelines of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA).

Recent Achievement: The Orlando Magic Dreamers have recently earned their first-ever invitation to the National Wheelchair Basketball Championships

(April 4-6, 2025, Richmond, Virginia), proudly representing Central Florida on a national stage.

Our team is made up of two divisions:

✨ Prep Team (Ages 5-13)

✨ Junior Varsity Team (14-high school)

Meet Our Amazing Athletes

Prep Team (Ages 5-13)

Gary Dunn IV: Now in his second year, Gary led the team in scoring and continues to impress with his sharp skills, confidence, and gameplay improvements.
Bentley Shumpert: A first-year athlete, Bentley has been a defensive powerhouse and rebounding force. His determination and growth on the court show great promise.
Chance Kern: A true impact player, Chance has delivered key plays that push the team forward, showing tremendous potential as he hones his skills.
Rebecca Di Giorgio: In her second year, Rebecca shines on both ends of the court. Her adaptability and tall presence make her a defensive and offensive asset with great future potential.
Abigail Walsh: A first-year player with strong ball-handling, defense, and offense skills, Abigail is already a key contributor.
Gael Moreno: A new team member, Gael quickly became a scoring threat, bringing excitement and energy to the court.

Junior Varsity Team (JNIT)

Samuel David Phelps: Our top scorer, Sammy joined us from Iowa, bringing 10 years of experience. His leadership and skills earned him the All-Tournament Award.
Alekzander Ma-Pinto: A first-year competitor, Alekzander quickly became an impact player, excelling in communication, adaptability, and gameplay.
Ivan Scheel: Advancing from prep to JNIT, Ivan’s dedication and strong scoring and defensive skills have contributed greatly to the team's success.
Jetzel Pena: Transitioning from prep to JNIT, Jetzel's standout defensive skills and experience training with the Orlando Magic Wheels adult team have elevated his game.
Grayson Portney: Quickly progressing from prep to JV, Grayson’s floor awareness and smart plays continue to uplift the team's performance.
Adriel Rosario: A dedicated athlete, Adriel continues to grow in skills and understanding, making a valuable contribution to the team's development.

Why Your Support Matters

The Importance of Adaptive Sports

Adaptive sports are modified athletic activities designed to meet the needs of individuals with physical disabilities, enabling them to participate in recreational and competitive sports. For children with lower extremity disabilities, engaging in adaptive sports offers numerous advantages:

Physical Health: Participation enhances muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness, balance, and coordination.
Psychosocial Benefits: Involvement in sports fosters improved self-esteem, confidence, and building long term relationships with other team members. It provides a sense of community and belonging, which is crucial for emotional well-being.
Independence and Quality of Life: Adaptive sports empower children to develop new skills, leading to increased independence and a higher quality of life.
College Opportunities: Did you know that there are 24 Universities that offer adaptive sports scholarships? The children can get an education and also participate in adaptive sports.
Opportunities to Play Overseas Professionally: Play for paralympic Team USA and U23 (youth ages 23 and under play international to compete for gold medals). Also, play in the professional leagues under the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation.
Summer camps for children with a disability are offered at various universities across the country.

Funds raised will directly support:

Sending the athletes to wheelchair basketball camp of their choice:

Specific Camp Details (prices range from $350-400:

Clemson University Camp: June 15-18, 2025, focusing on improving game through individual skills and drills.
Mizzou Wheelchair Basketball Camp: July 6-10, 2025, designed for youth ages 12-19 with permanent lower-extremity disabilities, led by Mizzou's head coach and assistant coach for the U.S. Men's National Team.
Illinois Wheelchair Sports Camp: June 25-28, 2025, focusing on individual skills.
BlazeSports Wheelchair Basketball Program: Offers both competitive and recreational experiences for athletes 6-18 years old who have a physical disability.
Auburn Wheelchair Basketball Summer Camp: July 13-16, 2025, for males and females ages 12-19 with a permanent disability of the lower extremity.
UW- University of Whitewater Coed Camp: Wednesday, June 18- Sunday, June 22, 2025
Edinboro University PA: Wheelchair basketball camp July 10-13, 2025

AND

Travel costs & tournament fees (including participation in the National Wheelchair Basketball Championships)
Specialized equipment & sports wheelchairs
Team uniforms & training gear
Facility costs & coaching resources

How You Can Help

Donate Online: https://www.cfldreamplex.com/orlando-magic-dreamers/

Share Our Mission: Spread the word via social media, email, or word of mouth.

Follow & Support:

https://sites.google.com/view/orlandomagicdreamers/

Facebook: [Orlando Magic Dreamers]

Let’s come together to champion inclusion, athletic excellence, and opportunity for these inspiring young athletes!

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