(Aug. 31, 2009) Virtual speedsters, hoopsters and baseball enthusiasts beware! There’s some new competition in town. Assistive Technology Partners’ (ATP) inaugural AbleGames treated children ages 3-18 with severe disabilities to a day of computer and video games on Saturday, Aug. 29. The children were able to delve into myriad games via switches and numerous adaptations to allow for a fair and fun competition.

Among the many offerings, the children played Guitar Hero World Tour, Wii Sports, Wii Fit and Mario Party 8 (car racing). On the computer, they played a variety or sports and racing games. “Their favorite basketball game was called Hoop Stars and their favorite racing game was called Lego Racers 2,” explains ATP’s Shelly Elfner, instructor in the School of Medicine.

Children also played several arcade games that had been adapted with switches, such as Hungry, Hungry Hippo and Pinball.

In another highlight, former Denver Nuggets Center Ervyn Johnson showed up and played computer hoops with youngsters.

Volunteers at the Saturday, Aug. 29 event served lunch, refereed the games, checked in participants, helped keep score, troubleshot technology and coordinated awards. The event was attended by about 150 people at the Jefferson County Fairground Exhibit Hall Building.

The event provided a fun environment for children with disabilities to compete in computer and other kid-friendly games. The event leveled the playing field in competitive children’s games while sharing the possibilities of what adaptations and assistive technology can do to enhance the quality of life for children with disabilities.

Channel 7 News aired this story about AbleGames. For more information, contact Assistive Technology Partners.

Photos: Top: Shaun Miller and ATP staff member Brian Burne play a variety of computer games. Bottom: Crescencio Flores plays Hoop Stars against Ervyn Johnson from the Denver Nuggets.