Our History

Background Information on Kartwheels

Kartwheels in Motion, Inc. ("Kartwheels") is a Massachusetts nonprofit corporation that has qualified as a public charity (§ 501(c)(3)) with the Internal Revenue Service. Kartwheels has also been a chapter of Disabled Sports USA since 2003. Since February 2001, Kartwheels has been operating its recreational, afterschool programs for children and young adults who face physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. In addition to providing an important recreational venue for our participants, Kartwheels offers numerous other benefits to those involved:

Siblings are encouraged to join in the activities, which means that the participants share a rare opportunity to interact with their able-bodied brothers and sisters in traditional recreational settings.
Volunteers from the local community work closely with participants, allowing an opportunity for a better understanding of the challenges facing these children and young adults, as well as lasting friendships.
Kartwheels also offers valuable networking and support opportunities to participants' parents.

Currently Kartwheels has a six member Board of Directors. Jeannie Watson, the founder and Executive Director of Kartwheels, is currently the only staff member. In addition to leading the sessions, she is responsible for day-to-day operations. Prior to her retirement in 2000, Jeannie worked for 28 years as a tenured teacher in the Lincoln Public Schools. She firmly believes that children of all abilities gain confidence and self-esteem through physical activity. In addition to Jeannie, volunteers from local high schools, colleges, and the local community work closely with the children.

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