DU QUOIN, Ill. -- More than 200 limb-different kids and coaches will are attending the four-day NubAbility All Sports Camp this weekend in Du Quoin.
The NubAbility Athletics Foundation recently announced their 12th year for the camp, bringing in 135 limb-different kids and 80 limb-different coaches.
Coaches and kids will be matched up for instructions on 19 different organized sports.
This camp is for children ages four through 17 with congenital or traumatic limb difference, frozen limb or highly mobile cerebral palsy.
“Just as the Olympics brings athletes together from around the world, our camp brings together adaptive youth athletes from across the country,� said Sam Kuhnert, NubAbility founder and executive director. “We believe in the power of sports to unite.� Campers from 40 states and Canada are expected to attend this week’s camp; coaches are traveling from as far as Canada and the Dominican Republic.
85 scholarships were granted to the limb-different youth campers in 2024 as part of the NubAbility's Finding 50 scholarship program.Â
“It is exciting to see a limb-different child discover for the first time that they can play a sport,� said Kuhnert. “Who knows where that child’s talent and drive might take them? We’re coaching up future college players, professional players, maybe even a future Paralympian.�
Sponsors of the program include Heartland Coca-Cola, Illinois Chapters of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Grand Aerie and Women's Auxiliary, Walmart Corporation, Black Diamond RV and numerous individuals and businesses.
“We are truly grateful for the generosity of our Southern Illinois community, which makes this camp possible,� said Kuhnert.
The schedule for the All Day Sports Camp is below...
DAILY ALL SPORTS CAMP SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS
Wednesday, July 17th
- Registration, Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Thursday, July 18th - Outdoors Day
- Coaching in archery, competitive shooting, fishing, golf, swimming, tennis, water sports, Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Camp launch party, Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday, July 19th
- Opening ceremony, Du Quoin High School, 9:00 am
- Coaching in 15 team sports, Du Quoin High School, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Shoe Tying Championship, Du Quoin High School, 2:15 pm - 3:00 pm
- Game Changer Benefit and Auction, Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Saturday, July 15th
- Coaching in 15 team sports, Du Quoin High School 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- College-style grind session for older campers with a special assist from SIU athletic teams, Du Quoin High School, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Pro Day Competition, Du Quoin High School, 12:15p - 1:15 pm
- Camp pool party, Du Quoin Swimming Indians Complex, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sunday, July 16th
- Final coaching session, Du Quoin High School, 10:30 am - 11:30 am
- Closing ceremony, Du Quoin High School, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Sports which are learned at the camp include... Archery, Baseball/Softball, Basketball, Competitive Shooting, Conditioning, Dance, Fishing, Football, Golf, Grappling, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Tumble/Cheer, Volleyball and Wakeboarding/Water Sports.
For more information on NubAbility camps and scholarships, visit .
