Sitrin STARS

Innovative adaptive sports for individuals with physical disabilities.

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Program Overview

The STARS (Success Through Adaptive Recreation and Sports) Program provides sporting opportunities to people with physical disabilities at a recreational, competitive, and Paralympic level. Sitrin offers outlets in curling, basketball, road racing, shooting, paddling, and biathlon. Physical activity and social interaction are paramount in the program, and vital to athletes’ overall mental and physical health. STARS focuses on community involvement and aims to increase physical fitness among individuals with physical disabilities.

Sitrin STARS athletes compete both locally and around the world. STARS athletes have participated in every U.S. National Wheelchair Curling event since 2004, and competes annually in World Wheelchair Curling Championships, among other adaptive sporting competitions. Each year, STARS athletes earn a number of medals and achievements.

Key Facts

  • Three-time Paralympian James “Jimmy Jam” Joseph earned the 2019 USA Curling Champion Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • Tammy Delano won gold in 2014 and bronze in 2015 at the IPC Shooting World Cup.
  • Jason Robinson became the first wheelchair athlete to participate in the NYSPHSAA Track and Field Championship.
  • Road racer Hermin Garic is a two-time winner of the Miami Marathon, Twin Cities Marathon and the 2021 Boilermaker 15K.
  • Biathlete Kevin Burnside won bronze at the U.S. National Nordic 800m sprint, and gold, silver, and bronze at the 2019 Empire State Games.
  • STARS Director Marc DePerno was awarded the international O.C. Tanner Inspiration Award in 2010.
300
Average number of STARS athletes since 2001
13
Number of STARS athletes who have competed in the Paralympics
73
Number of times STARS athletes have won gold

Wish List

  • Racing wheelchair
    $3,000
  • Basketball wheelchair
    $3,500
  • Cost to attend U.S. Wheelchair Curling Nationals
    $1,000
  • Indoor training roller (treadmill for racing chair)
    $1,000
  • Wheelchair racing competition
    $500
  • Wheelchair basketball camp tuition
    $500
  • Curling Club membership
    $550/person
  • Sponsor an athlete
    $1,000/year

Benefits

  • Aims to develop youth and adults in sporting opportunities, regardless of skill level.
  • Builds awareness in the region and throughout the world for athletes with physical disabilities.
  • Provides specialized equipment and training necessary to excel in competitive sporting opportunities.
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