Jocelyn
Meet Jocelyn, an active, energetic and confident six-year-old, who isn’t afraid to try anything! So much so, that she keeps her mom on her toes from adventures trying something new or coming back to something Jocelyn loves, from WCMX to tennis, surfing and more.
When you ask Jocelyn why she thinks sports are important for someone with a disability, she says proudly “because it makes you feel like everyone else!” And we agree!
Jocelyn’s first official Angel City Sports (ACS) event was March 2023 at the Abilities Expo at the ACS Sports Experience Zone. Then shortly thereafter, in June, at the Angel City Games at USC. Jocelyn, at just five years of age, was excited to try Track & Field events for the first time and the anticipation was high as her family would watch different para-athletes on Instagram, Tik Tok, and vlogs.
After attending the Games, the experience opened Jocelyn’s eyes and mind to a new world. She was even more impressed and driven by what was possible. To experience ACS Track & Field events and be coached by Paralympians was a thrill for sure.
Then over the summer of 2024 Jocelyn attended the Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children Cerebral Palsy Camp in partnership with ACS, as well as the Rollette’s Experience. ACS was there bringing adaptive sports opportunities to both events as a community partner and was delighted to see Jocelyn there thriving.
Her mom shares, “having familiar ACS coaches and staff at these different events makes Jocelyn feel so comfortable. Jocelyn is already a go getter, but now she doesn’t let her physical impairment stop her from pursuing anything. Her personality shines, and her teachers and friends have seen it. When it comes to sports, I never had her confidence as a child…I envy her. It’s amazing to see what ACS and other athletes have inspired in her.”
When you ask Jocelyn what ACS means to her, she says “No one asks me questions about why I have a wheelchair or braces. They just like to play games.” And play they do!
Angel City Sports is also a family affair. It has brought their family together in multiple ways and Jocelyn’s siblings like to come out to participate with her. Jocelyn’s grandparents and now the school staff have gained interest, which makes it even more special to share those moments together. Jocelyn and her family want to bring more awareness of adaptive sports to their City of Santa Ana and SAUSD. “We have very little to no resources for those interested in adaptive sports. Many families within our local School District have inquired about sports for their students and I hope that as we share Jocelyn’s story it will bring them out to a future event.
“As a family we share all the amazing experiences Jocelyn and big brother Ernie have experienced with ACS to help share that life for your child isn’t over because of a physical impairment or cognitive impairment. Just go to one event, it will change your life.” says Jessica, Jocelyn’s mom.
“Adaptive sports have no limits on physical impairments, age, or race. Anything is possible if your heart is there to try. You won’t be perfect, but with time and practice, you will be amazing no matter what, if your heart and mind are there anything is possible.” Thank you, Jocelyn, and family, for showing us what’s possible!
We can’t wait to see what Jocelyn accomplishes.