wheelchair lacrosse
unified COMPETITION
spring 2025
Wheelchair unified participants must be able to follow instructions and independently maneuver their wheelchair, as this will be run as a competitive program.
In Spring 2025, Able Athletics will launch a unified wheelchair youth lacrosse program, offering a peer-level playing experience for our chair athletes and an opportunity for non-chair lacrosse players to learn and compete in wheelchair lacrosse. Unified programming brings athletes with and without disabilities together, fostering inclusion through competitive play.
Working closely with Wheelchair Lacrosse USA, Able Athletics aims to support the growth of youth wheelchair lacrosse, creating national competitive opportunities with other youth programs across the country.
Please note, this program will be run as a competitive league, requiring helmets, chest pads, elbow pads, and gloves. Participants will engage in structured practices and 6v6 gameplay, with unified athletes divided into two teams. Sport wheelchairs will be provided thanks to the generosity of The Hartford and Move United, First Eagle Investments, and community donors.
pick up & play
Wheelchair lacrosse
Wednesday, Nov.6th 6-7 PM
Westchester Torah Academy
150 Stratton Rd
New Rochelle, NY 10804
Introducing our youth Wheelchair Division
Made possible by a generous grant from The Hartford insurance company, move united, and the incredible community of westchester & beyond.
Collaboration for change
Able Athletics is proud to announce the launch of our wheelchair sports division, offering unique opportunities for athletes using manual wheelchairs. With a generous grant the Hartford Insurance (through our partnership with Move united), and additional community contributions, we've acquired 15 sport wheelchairs to support specialized programs. Starting with competitive wheelchair lacrosse, we aim to expand to include tennis and other sports currently unavailable to youth chair athletes in our region.
In collaboration with Rippowam Cisqua school in Bedford, NY, Able athletics will hold consistent programming for youth chair users and their peers.
This unique initiative in our area focuses on bringing joy, empowerment, and community to wheelchair athletes and their peers.
We invite everyone to share this exciting news and welcome interested athletes to join our inclusive and competitive sports environment.
MEET LISA
Director of Wheelchair Sports
Lisa Canniff is a dedicated Speech Therapist and a loving mother of three, with her youngest child using a wheelchair for mobility. Lisa brings a wealth of expertise and an unwavering passion to our division of wheelchair sports, driven by a deep commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for individuals who use mobility devices. She also strives to educate and inspire those who do not use mobility devices to understand the significance of inclusion and acceptance. Through her efforts, Lisa fosters a community where everyone, regardless of their abilities, is welcomed and valued.
MEET BRETT
Head Coach, Wheelchair Lacrosse
Brett Makar, head coach of wheelchair lacrosse, brings both personal passion and professional excellence to Able Athletics’ unified competitive program. A graduate of Yorktown High School in Yorktown Heights, New York, Brett grew up in a close-knit family as one of four brothers. His oldest brother, Keith, who has autism, has been a source of constant inspiration, fueling his drive both on and off the field.
He earned his B.A. in Communication from the University of Maryland in 2022 and went on to complete a Master’s in Business & Management from the Smith School of Business at Maryland in 2023. His lacrosse career is nothing short of impressive. As the No. 3 overall pick by New York Atlas in the 2023 PLL Draft, he’s been a 2-time USILA and Inside Lacrosse First Team All-American, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2023, and was named a USA Lacrosse Third Team All-American in 2023.
With his background in both high-level competition and personal commitment to inclusivity, he’s well-positioned to lead and inspire our wheelchair lacrosse program.
Upcoming programming
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