February 2024 Special Needs Living

Dribbling Through Challenges

Introducing you to Cory Michalec a true point guard for inclusion

BY ANDREA HURR • PHOTOS BY JULIAN CURET

Enzo Ferrari said, “Don’t run away from challenges, run over them”. This is a favorite quote of 19-year-old Cory Michalec! Cory graduated from Tallmadge High School in 2022 and had great support both in the schools and the community, which has allowed him to flourish. Cory, who uses a wheelchair himself, faced numerous challenges growing up, particularly in assessing the same programs as the other kids. However, he refused to let these obstacles define him. Cory was instrumental in bringing the Wheelchair Basketball Program to Tallmadge City Schools as well as helping to grow the Tallmadge Challenger Baseball League into what it is today!

Cory’s parents Greg and Tiffany, who are always a big part of his life, were fortunate to discover ASPO (Adaptive Sports Ohio) when Cory was younger. With Cory, they have since been involved with the Wheelchair Basketball program and are now looking into Power Soccer. Cory has also been playing on the Tallmadge Challenger Baseball team with his dad since he was 5-years-old. In 2015 the Michalec’s were asked to take over the Challenger program and through the years they were able to grow the program from just 14 players to an incredible 108 players participating in this last season! “There are programs out there but you have to be an advocate for your child because people really are receptive to seeing kids with special needs excel,” says Tiffany.

Tallmadge Wheelchair Basketball was first offered when Cory was in 8th grade and he continued playing until he graduated. This is considered a varsity sport and Cory was able to letter in it! This is a major accomplishment in the world of athletics and proves his dedication on and off the court. He is currently enjoying his new role as a volunteer coach for the organization. Cory credits his parents for helping to get him to where he is today. He says that he “admires them both in their own respective ways.”

Even with as much as sports has helped Cory succeed his journey towards greater inclusion and accessibility would not have been possible without the support of his family and the community. Recognizing the need for a more wheelchairaccessible home, Cory’s family made necessary modifications, empowering him to be more selfsufficient. His parents played a crucial role in shaping his character, and Cory acknowledges their influence with deep admiration.

Cory also has a job at the Stow-Kent Giant Eagle where he is a Greeter. If you see him there make sure to say hello. He loves his position and plans on continuing to work and earn money so that he can continue to be more self-sufficient. When not at work or coaching you can catch Cory cheering for pretty much all of the Ohio sports teams including the Browns, Guardians, Cavaliers, Buckeyes, and of course his Challenger Baseball team.

Cory’s story is a true testament to the power of resilience, community support, and the determination to overcome barriers. He continues to serve as an inspiration for others to pursue their passions and to break down social barriers, one challenge at a time!

For information on Adaptive Sports Ohio (ASPO) please contact Lisa Followay at 330601-1400 or info@adaptivesportsohio.org