Parent/athlete Testimonials

• Team Verge has been a real game changer for our son. We have tried many programs over the years, but none have provided the support, consistency, and love for the sport that we have found at Verge.

• My son now believes in himself. Previously, he would yell and get frustrated so easily, on the track and in life. He has grown so much with Verge, in ways that I never saw possible for him. Running is a regular part of his life now and he loves time with his teammates. The team also offers a sense of community that I haven't found anywhere, extending to families.

• Verge has done so much to instill our son's self-confidence and inspire a love of running. He joined his High School cross country team and became Team Captain his senior year.

• Having a team that my son belongs to is a very special feeling after years of being isolated. He has learned to deal with others as teammates and competitors, and to follow rules and structure in group settings which has allowed him to do more community events.

• Team Verge helps individuals who have difficulty communicating to be part of a team & enjoy activity together. My son feels accepted / appreciated for who he is. Team Verge helps my son to generalize his skills to other group activities that he participates in.

• My son has become an avid runner! He loves running, and it helps him regulate, decreases stimming and OCD behaviors, and greatly improves his mood.

• My son, who has a significant physical disability, has now completed 3 different 5k's. I would never have thought that a running club would be something for him and here we are with him looking forward to practices and giving it his best every time. Being part of this program has helped him maintain his mobility. This is truly an amazing program, and the one program that he is always willing to attend and will talk about during the week. I am grateful for the opportunity.

• I started running as a 7 year old and I was very shy. Running with Verge has taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to. I got a lot more self confident, and soon I signed up for other sports like soccer and softball. Team Verge is an incredible community and I’m so glad I get to be a part of it, thank you so much to everyone who makes this possible.

• Verge has allowed my daughter to participate in sports, and to develop a regular exercise routine. More importantly, we believe the inclusive environment of Verge fosters relationships that extend into the community, particularly through their volunteer program, which will hopefully help to create a more inclusive society long term.

• My 3 daughters are learning to compare within themselves and their best effort, rather than to compare themselves to others.

athlete stories

Click to read stories of Verge athletes.

reported & observed Outcomes

• Improved endurance, strength, speed, balance, mobility, motor skills

• Increased confidence, self-esteem, self-expression, decision making, communicating needs and wants, independence.

• Increased social, communication, and leadership skills. Increased awareness of and interaction with others and surroundings.

• Reduced anxiety and stress.

• Improved mood, energy, self-regulation, cognition, focus and attention. Improved sleep, eating, and hydration.

• Tolerance for discomfort and new experiences.

• Better body awareness. Developed understanding and comfort with physiological factors like increased heart rate, sweating, heavy breathing, sore muscles.

• Understanding of the difference and balance in work vs rest, fast vs slow, acceptable pain and pain that you should let rest.

• Developed or improved interest in physical activity.

• Developed or improved ability to participate in other group activities and school sports teams.