About Us
Mission With Vision
Our mission is to enrich the lives of children with special needs and their families through sports, fine arts and educational programs to foster the development of courage, confidence, fitness, pride, joy and community.
We envision Kinetic Kids as the premier and recognized leader for adaptive sports, fine arts and educational programming, serving children with intellectual and physical challenges, in our community and beyond, so that all children can achieve new possibilities previously unimaginable.
We currently serve Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio with seasonal recreational programs, monthly competitive programs and one-day events.
Who Are Kinetic Kids?
Kinetic Kids are children with special needs who need a way to participate, a place to belong and a chance to shine. We help kids overcome their daily struggles by adapting sports and recreational programs to their individual needs. Whether they are challenged with spina bifida, autism, Down syndrome, crutches, walkers or wheelchairs we enable them to become athletes, dancers, artists and more!
We Are Unique
- A physical, occupational or recreational therapist or therapist assistant is on site for every program to ensure the safety and success of each participant.
- One-on-one volunteer assistance also ensures the safety of our athletes, and our parents also enjoy being able to sit on the sidelines and cheer!
- Our athletes love competing in traditional athletic facilities, therefore we do not own a central facility. We funnel those savings into additional programs throughout Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, so there is always a program nearby.
- We offer programs year-round, ensuring your child always has a variety of sports and recreational activities to enjoy.
We envision Kinetic Kids as the premier and recognized leader for adaptive sports, fine arts and educational programming, serving children with intellectual and physical challenges, in our community and beyond, so that all children can achieve new possibilities previously unimaginable.
Keeping Kids Kinetic
Here’s why sports and recreation programs are important for children with special needs:
- People with disabilities are much more likely to lead sedentary lives, and consequently develop secondary conditions like diabetes, respiratory failure, osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease.
- Participants see marked improvements in strength, coordination and flexibility.
- Physical, creative and social activities reduce the occurrence of depression.
- Parents and teachers report seeing improvements in behavior, academics and social interaction among our participants.
History Worth Repeating
In 2001, Tracey Fontenot and Kacey Wernli were practicing pediatric physical therapists who saw a need. The children with special needs that they served needed more exercise. They needed motivation. They needed camaraderie. They needed the joy that comes from being part of a team. Together, Kacey and Tracey founded Kinetic Kids San Antonio with just one t-ball team of 12 children. Then word got out, and the requests followed. This year, the greater San Antonio area will offer 234 sports and recreation programs to more than 2,800 children with special needs.
