Moon's 'Strong As Steel' Adaptive Track Team Seeks New Members

For one Crescent Township mother, the inspiration came last summer. 

In July, Darla Clayton's 8-year-old son Trent, who had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, competed in the 2011 National Junior Disability Championships as a runner. 

Since Trent took up running, Clayton said, she has watched her son flourish. At the championships, Trent competed as an independent athlete. 

"But he said he wanted to be on a team," Clayton said. "We really couldn't find anything in the Pittsburgh area. So we tried to figure out a way to start one." 

Clayton now hopes to encourage other young Moon area athletes with disabilities, ages 5 to 21, to train alongside one another and perhaps again compete in the 2012 disability championships, which will be held in Arizona. 

Clayton and her family began the Strong As Steel team after searching the Pittsburgh area for an adaptive track and field team where her son could train with other young athletes. 

She said the Strong As Steel team has only a handful of members and is seeking coaches and volunteers with experience working with disabled athletes. Athletes can compete in a number of events, all geared toward their interests and abilities, she said. 

"I think at this point for a lot of our kids, it's just to get out there and show them they can do this," Clayton said. "I think that would be incredible." 

Clayton said track and field has proven a confidence-booster for her son. 

"He runs," Clayton said. "He's in third grade and they adapt things for him. The gym teacher was having the kids run 800 meters, and told him he only had to run 400. He's a sprinter, but he ran the full 800 meters."

Those interested in participating, as an athlete or volunteer, can visit the team's website for more information.

"He really feels like he can do more," said Clayton. "It would be wonderful to get a couple more kids involved."