HATHORNE – (Photos) Superintendent Heidi Riccio is pleased to share that Essex Tech student Brooke Sargent was recently awarded grant funding to purchase a Wheelchair Motor Cross (WCMX) wheelchair, courtesy of Handi Capable Fitness, a nonprofit based in Boston that aims to help those with physical disabilities become active.
Brooke Sargent, an Essex Tech sophomore studying Dental Assisting from Wenham, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) at a young age. Sargent has aimed to remain active by playing a variety of adaptive and non-adaptive sports, including sled hockey, stand-up hockey, swimming, surfing, biking, soccer, tennis, basketball, running, lacrosse, and baseball.
Sargent was introduced to the idea of WCMX, described as skateboarding for wheelchair users, through her friends. An avid fan of both playing and watching sports, Sargent was immediately interested. She has been determined to participate in WCMX for years but needed a special wheelchair.
Sargent began fundraising and was able to gain some financial support through the community. Her mother, Denise Sargent, applied for a grant through Handi Capable Fitness, whose founder, James Norris, knew that Sargent was the perfect fit for the grant.
“We were amazed by Brooke’s drive and guts to participate in WCMX. When we met her and her family, we knew that this was what our grant was designed for,” he said. “We believe in Brooke and are so happy to have been a part of her journey.”
Handi Capable Fitness and Essex Tech partnered together to surprise Sargent with the grant on Thursday, March 23. Sargent’s family, friends, classmates, and teachers gathered to surprise her with a celebratory presentation while she was in her Dental Assisting program area. James Norris attended to present the grant.
“This recent grant from Handi Capable Fitness is much appreciated. It opens the opportunity to make Brooke’s goal to partake in WCMX a reality,” said Denise Sargent. “In the long run, it allows her to be active, and as such, keep a healthy lifestyle.”
The $1,000 grant will allow Sargent to purchase a wheelchair that can be used for WCMX and everyday use.
“I am so excited to have the opportunity to play a sport and have a custom chair for it. I can also use the wheelchair for everyday mobility. I am grateful for the grant and can’t wait to start,” Sargent said. “Delmace Mayo and Catherine Faherty are some of my best friends from sled hockey and have inspired me so much to play sports and want to try WCMX. I am going to be able to stay more active and involved while doing WCMX, since playing some typical sports can be hard for me to do. I want to thank Handi Capable Fitness, everyone from Essex Tech Dental, and everyone who organized the event.”
“Brooke is an inspiring young lady. We were so happy to put together this event for her, and we are excited to see what she accomplishes moving forward.” said Superintendent Riccio. “Brooke is a bright light and will surely do great things.”
To learn more about Handi Capable Fitness, click here.
James Norris and Brooke Sargent pose for a photo in matching Handi Capable Fitness caps.
Founder of Handi Capable Fitness James Norris (left) surprises Brooke Sargent (right) with a $1,000 grant to purchase a wheelchair for WCMX. (Photo Courtesy Essex Tech)
From left: Larry Sargent, Denise Sargent, James Norris, Nicole Sargent, Lauren Sargent and Brooke Sargent pose for a photo at the celebration.
