Never Give Up: How a Volunteer Empowers Kids With Disabilities at Concord Nonprofit

A Concord nonprofit has launched a summer program to provide free adaptive sports and recreational activities for children with disabilities, marking a major expansion of its outreach efforts ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. The initiative, led by volunteers including former U.S. Senator John Edwards’ family, aims to serve over 150 children across Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, and Union counties by July 4, according to organizers.

The program, announced by the nonprofit Hand in Hand, will offer swimming lessons, wheelchair basketball clinics, and sensory-friendly outings at local parks, including Lake Norman and the Charlotte Motor Speedway grounds. Volunteers have already begun training sessions, with the first public event scheduled for June 28 at the Concord Community Center.

Hand in Hand’s executive director, Sarah Thompson, told local reporters the initiative was inspired by a 2025 pilot program that served 87 children but faced funding gaps. “We heard from families last year that they wanted more opportunities—not just one-day events, but consistent access,” Thompson said. “This year, we’re making sure every child gets at least four sessions before the holiday.”

Why is this program expanding now?

The nonprofit cited three key factors driving the expansion: increased state funding for adaptive recreation programs, a partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and a surge in volunteer sign-ups following a viral social media campaign. According to the state agency, adaptive sports participation in North Carolina rose by 32% between 2024 and 2025, with demand outpacing available resources in the Charlotte metro area.

Thompson noted that the timing aligns with the Fourth of July, a period when many families with children who have disabilities face higher costs for accessible transportation and activities. “We’re filling that gap,” she said. “Our goal is to ensure no child misses out because of barriers.”

How will the program be funded?

Funding for the program comes from a combination of private donations, a $120,000 grant from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Foundation, and a $50,000 contribution from the John Edwards Family Foundation. The latter was announced by Edwards’ daughter, Emma Edwards, during a press conference at the nonprofit’s headquarters in Concord.

“My father always believed in giving people the tools to participate fully in their communities,” Edwards said. “This program does exactly that for children who too often are left on the sidelines.” The foundation’s contribution includes funding for adaptive equipment, such as specialized wheelchairs and sensory tools, which organizers say will be distributed to participating families.

What activities are included, and where?

The program will offer the following activities, all free of charge:

• Adaptive swimming lessons at the Concord Aquatic Center, led by certified instructors from the Special Olympics North Carolina.
• Wheelchair basketball clinics at the Charlotte Sports Park, in partnership with the Charlotte Hornets Foundation.
• Sensory-friendly hikes at Lake Norman State Park, with trained guides from the NC Parks Foundation.
• Accessible arts and crafts workshops at the Cramerton Community Center, featuring local artists.
• Fourth of July parade participation for children with disabilities, organized in collaboration with the City of Concord.

All locations were selected for their accessibility features, including wheelchair ramps, sensory-friendly lighting, and staff trained in disability inclusion. Organizers emphasize that no prior experience is required—participants of all ability levels are welcome.

How can families apply, and what’s next?

Families can register for the program through Hand in Hand’s website or by calling (704) 555-1234. Spots are limited, and organizers encourage early sign-ups, particularly for children with complex medical needs. The first round of activities begins June 28, with the Fourth of July event scheduled for July 4 at Downtown Concord Park.

Thompson said the nonprofit plans to evaluate the program’s success in August and use the data to seek additional funding for year-round operations. “Our hope is that this becomes a model for other communities,” she said. “Every child deserves the chance to play, learn, and celebrate.”

For more information or to donate, visit Hand in Hand’s official website.