Andrew and Kirsten Skinner founded the Triumph Foundation in 2008 aiming to create an inclusive space for individuals with disabilities so they could participate in adaptive sports.
Skinner suffered a spinal cord injury in 2004 and knows firsthand the systemic barriers, lack of access, and opportunities available for people with disabilities, he said on a recent Saturday.
“The different sports and rec centers will have programs for kids, programs for teens and adults and elderly, but they leave people with disabilities on the sidelines,” Andrew said. “Whether it’s intentional or not, they’re showing us that we don’t belong.”
But that wasn’t true for many at The George A. Caravalho Santa Clarita Sports Complex on April 25 and 26. The place was packed with people of all ages for the 13th annual Wheelchair Sports Festival.
There were basketball, tennis, archery, fencing, and other sports activities available for wheelchair users, but it wasn’t exclusively reserved for them. Family and friends were also encouraged to participate in the games to gain an understanding of how the chair is used as a tool and “erase those kinds of stigmas and open people’s eyes,” Andrew said.
Whether it was an illness at birth, or a life-changing injury, the Wheelchair Sports Festival welcomed all people so they could realize that “they can still have fun, meet people that are like them, and just really focus on what their strengths are and not their limitations,” Andrew added.
The foundation also provides support to people who have just begun their spinal cord injury recovery journey, equipment for patients to safely discharge from the hospital, and employment assistance so wheelchair users can obtain and retain employment to live independently.
Taking a break from the archery activities on Saturday, Andrew sought out Ryan Chavarria, an ambassador for the Triumph Foundation.
Chavarria was all smiles and good energy during his lunch break, something he regained with patience and help from the foundation. When he was first injured, he fell into a deep depression attempting to navigate his new reality, which came with being dependent on others to take him places. But throughout the process, he met others like himself and quickly saw hope for his future.
“It took some time but they helped me actually recognize life can go on and still have a wonderful life,” Chavarria said. Andrew then encouraged Chavarria to become an ambassador to mentor, help and guide others overcoming the same challenges he once did.
“[Andrew] says that Triumph is not him. It’s all of us. We’re all Triumph,” he added.
With his new role, Chavarria developed the confidence to go into spaces and bring awareness to local businesses and community organizations about the Triumph Foundation and the people it assisted. But to fully become independent, he still needed a car.
Not long after, the community gathered to donate a car to Chavarria and “it made a big difference. I felt like I was missing something and it was my freedom. Freedom was a big part of my life, so they helped me get my freedom, my stability, my ableness to do what I want to do,” he said. “I’m grateful to have life again. This helped me find my calling. I love helping people. I’m glad I’m able to be a part of this community.”
The Triumph Foundation isn’t a place for just people who use a wheelchair, but for family and friends to also navigate how to be better support, and receive it as well.
Fernando Maus’ son Angelo was born with spinal bifida and has been in and out of the hospital all his life.
When Angelo was in his early teenage years, Maus was looking for something that could help his son build a community while allowing Maus to be more present in his life that wasn’t tied to doctor’s appointments.
“Being a father isn’t easy, being a mother isn’t easy, and this is a different world, different challenges,” Maus said. “For us as a parent, for him as a child who’s disabled, it’s just a different world.”
But Maus believes that finding a community can not only help them navigate their own experiences but also find others who will offer support.
Once the father and son duo discovered Triumph, Angelo became a leader for the youth camp, and began to love sports, something he had no interest in previously. Angelo was not present during the annual festival that weekend due to illness, but Maus wanted to represent them both and attended to connect with newcomers.
Some advice Maus wanted to provide to families navigating such challenges was the same he gives Angelo when he feels discouraged.
“You can’t quit, you can’t say no, and you got to try stuff. Nothing stops us. We just have to adapt to them,” Maus said.
The Triumph Foundation holds events throughout Southern California, but the weekend at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex was the “Super Bowl of the year,” Andrew said. It brought visitors from all over,including out-of-state visitors.
“We never dreamed it was going to be anything more than something I would do once in a while when I had time,” Andrew added. “We’ve grown beyond my wildest hopes and dreams. It truly is a special weekend.”
To learn more about the Triumph Foundation, visit triumph-foundation.org.
