Gilmore Therapeutic Recreation Center

1600 Purdue Drive [ map ]
Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm

910-433-1000

Therapeutic Recreation uses education; recreation services and leisure experiences to help people with limitations make themost of their lives – physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. Involvement in Therapeutic Recreation will result in the enhancement of health, functional ability and independence. Therapeutic Recreation is important because it can help people of all ages and backgrounds to get well, live well and stay well.

Our programs are designed to meet the following goals:

SOCIAL
Increase appropriate socialization skills and foster friendships

PHYSICAL
Develop maximum physical abilities through participation in individual and team recreation

LIFE SKILLS
Increase money management, problem solving and decision-making skills through various community outings

INDEPENDENCE
Gain skills and experiences that increase one’s self esteem, judgment and abilities

CENTER PROGRAMS

For more information on Gilmore Therapeutic Recreation Center’s Summer Camp programming, please see our Summer Camp page

SPADES for Gentlemen
Special Populations Adult Daytime Enrichment Sessions, or S.P.A.D.E.S. is an adult centered program that enhances life satisfaction through a wide variety of activities like exercise, creative/expressive arts, cooking/baking, issues groups, nature and horticulture therapy, community outings, speakers, and more. Program runs Sept. through May.
18+; Mon. and Wed.; 9 am-1 pm; $4/day

SPADES for Ladies
Special Populations Adult Daytime Enrichment Sessions or S.P.A.D.E.S. is an adult centered program that enhances life satisfaction through a wide variety of activities like exercise, creative/expressive arts, cooking/baking, issues groups, nature and horticulture therapy, community outings, speakers, and more. Program runs Sept. through May.
18+; Tues. and Thurs.; 9 am-1 pm; $4/day

Girls & Guys Nights Out
Monthly evening community outings for youth and adults age 13+. Program focus is on community leisure opportunities, socialization and independence. Outings include places like: local sports events, movies, restaurants, shopping centers, and attractions. Space is limited; pre-registration is required 1 week in advance. Combined outings dates TBA. Guys Night Out: 3rd Fri. of each month, Girls Night Out: 1st Mon. of each month.
13+; 5-9 pm; bring $ to cover expenses

Fitness Ambassadors
Fitness Ambassadors will assist each participant in reaching their fi tness goals through walking, circuit
training, jogging, cycling, etc. Participants are encouraged to participate at least 3 days a week.
15+; Mon.-Thurs.; Free

Bowling for FUN
This bowling league is for all ability levels and meets at LaFayette Lanes on Raeford Rd. Participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or be authorized to be in the facility independently. Registration is required. Season begins Sept. 1 and runs through May 5.
6-15 yrs; Mon.; 4-5 pm; $3.50/week

Intermediate Bowling
This bowling league is for bowlers preparing to advance to the Adult league and meets at LaFayette Lanes on Raeford Rd. Participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or be authorized to be in the facility independently. Registration is required. Season begins Sept. 1 and runs through May 5.
16-18 yrs; Mon.; 4-5 pm; $3.50/week

Drama 101
Drama 101 will give participants the chance to learn about the art of theatre. This group is a performance group and will produce at least one theatrical work per year. This class also involves trips to local theater productions to learn more about putting on productions.
13+; Mon.; 5:30-6:30 pm; Free; resumes on March 11 with auditions for Gilmore Idol

Book Club
This book club is open to participants who enjoy reading or who would like to work on their reading skills. Club members will be divided into smaller groups based on their ability level and will be able to follow along with an audio CD.
12+; Tues. and Wed.; 2:45-3:15 pm; Free

Scouting with disAbilities
Cub Scout Pack & Boy Scout Troop #702 is for boys with disabilities. This traditional scout group is adapted to meet the instructional needs of boys with disabilities. Scouting fees are $10 annually (fee is waived for those who participate in-school scouting). Registration required. Pack meets at Massey Hill Recreation Center.
6-18 yrs; 1st and 3rd Tues.; 6 pm; Free

Cooking Classes
These classes present an opportunity for participants to socialize, learn their way around the kitchen while working together to prepare a meal. Participants must register one week in advance for each class.
TRC Lunchtime Café: 18+; Fri.; 1-2:30 pm; $5/person per week
Please Pass the Peas: 12+; Thurs.; 4:30-6 pm; $5/person per week

Adult Bowling
Bowling is a lifelong sport in which all can participate. This bowling league is open to adults of all ability levels and meets at B&B Bowling Lanes on Fort Bragg Road. Participants have the opportunity to compete in the Special Olympics. Registration is required for this program. League runs March-Dec.
18+; Tues.; 3:45-5:30 pm; $3/person per week

Wii Sports/Dance Challenge
This program incorporates video games and exercise. Participants will get to challenge their friends at various sports and dance games while they increase their hand/eye coordination, range of motion and socialization skills.
5+; Fri.; 4-5 pm; Free

Yoga
Yoga is a program of physical postures designed to purify the body and provide the physical strength and stamina required for long periods of meditation. This twice weekly class meets early enough for you to still get to work. This class is intended for professionals and care givers. Ongoing, pre-registration required.
18+; Tues. and Thurs.; 6:30-7:30 am; Free

SPECIAL EVENTS

Family BINGO Night
Bring the whole family out for a night of BINGO Fun! Prizes will be awarded to our top winners. Players can play up to 2 cards per person.
All ages; March 22; 7-9 pm

Gilmore TRC Spring Art Festival
Does your child enjoy art and music? If so this festival is for them. Participants will have the opportunity to socialize with their peers as they complete various art projects as well as have the opportunity to learn more about music.
All ages; April 5; 10 am-2 pm; Free

3rd Annual Gilmore Idol
We believe all people have special talents and deserve an opportunity to share them. The TRC staff invites anyone with disability to showcase their talent/s at our 3rd Annual Gilmore Idol Talent Showcase. Performances may include singing, dancing, playing instruments, reciting poetry, telling jokes, etc. Any talents are welcome. The event features local celebrity judges. Awards are given in each category. There is no cost to enter the showcase. Practices will be held weekly on Mon. evenings starting Feb. 18.
There is a $3 admission charge to spectators on the night of the show and concessions will be available for purchase. Registration deadline is March 4.
All ages; April 29; 6:30 pm; $3

Girls Inspired, Girls Empowered
Focusing on girl stuff, this group will meet once a month. Experience fun activities and life lessons as we discuss ways to keep happy and healthy. Each month will focus on different themes such as self care, friendship, confi dence building, and spirituality. This group will feature activities in the facility and outside. Participants will be responsible for any costs of activities not to exceed $15.
All ages; 2nd and 4th Fri. of each month; 9 am-1 pm

Annual Prom
A prom is a special occasion for all. This spring, the TRC staff honors everyone that may not have experienced a prom in High School. We will utilize space at Hay Street United Methodist Church. A photographer will be available for professional portraits. Semi-formal attire required. Ticket
required for all admission and may be purchased in advance at Gilmore. This event serves as a fundraiser for Special Olympics. Volunteers are needed.
16+; Sat., April 6; 7-11 pm; $15/couple or $10/person

SPECIAL OLYMPICS CUMBERLAND COUNTY

The Gilmore Therapeutic Recreation Center is the hub for Special Olympics Cumberland County. Special Olympics Cumberland County is a branch of Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC). Special Olympics Cumberland County provides year-round sports training and competition for more than 300 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It is the fastest growing program in North Carolina. Participants have the opportunity to train and compete in the Special Olympic Competition in 13 different sports. Practice times and locations vary. Call the Gilmore Therapeutic Recreation Center at 433-1000 for more information.

Join our group or sign up to play spring and summer sports.

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/specialolympicscumberlandco

LOCAL EVENTS

Spring Games
Our largest of all local competitions, Spring Games features track and fi eld events, soccer and volleyball. Athletes train for a minimum of eight weeks in skills and team events and get one day to compete. Competition is always exciting and volunteers are always needed. Find volunteer information on our Facebook page and volunteermatch.org. This event is hosted by Methodist University and is open to spectators and registered athletes.
8+; April 17; 10 am-noon; Free

SONC Basketball Competition
50+ athletes and coaches will travel to Smithfield to compete in the Special Olympics North Carolina Basketball Competition. Cumberland County will have athletes competing in 3 on 3 basketball and 5 on 5 basketball. Donations are always welcome to support athletes participating in Special Olympics.
March 16; 9 am-5 pm; Free

SONC Athletics Qualifier
Cumberland County will once again host the SONC Athletics Qualifier on May 4 at Reid Ross Classical High School. Volunteers are needed to help with set-up and working the event. Please call Gilmore TRC for more information or visit www.volunteermatch.org and look for Special Olympics Cumberland County volunteer opportunities.

SONC Summer Games
50+ athletes and coaches will travel to NC State to compete in the Special Olympics North Carolina Summer Games. Cumberland County will have athletes competing in aquatics, athletics, powerlifting, softball and volleyball. Donations are always welcome to support athletes participating in Special Olympics.
8+; June 1-2; 9 am-5 pm; Free

PARALYMPIC PROGRAMMING

U.S. Paralympics manages extensive outreach initiatives, connecting with individuals with physical disabilities directly and supporting Paralympic organizations with program development. Increasing the availability of Paralympic sport programming for Americans with physical disabilities across the country is a key goal of the U.S. Olympic Committee. Through partnerships with existing organizations, such as Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation, as well as the development of new programs, the U.S. Olympic Committee's Paralympic Division is targeting 250 Paralympic Sport Clubs in American cities by 2012. Fayetteville-Cumberland is one of those new Sport Clubs.
http://findaclub.usparalympics.org/organization-detail.aspx?id=226

Paralympic Sport Club Fayetteville-Cumberland
Today, there are more than 21 million Americans with a physical disability. In the past few years, thousands of military personnel have sustained serious injuries during active duty. Research shows that daily physical activity enhances not only and individual's self-esteem and peer relationships, it also results in increased achievement, better overall health, and higher quality of life. However, despite these fi ndings, most individuals with physical disabilities do not have the opportunity to participate in any regular sports activity. We are working hard to change that in Fayetteville and Fort Bragg. Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation became an official Paralympic Sport Club in April, 2011. FCPR is inspiring athletes to achieve their dreams. Through education, sports programs and partnerships with community organizations, medical facilities and government agencies, Paralympics – Fayetteville-Cumberland is making a difference in the lives of many physically disabled people every day.

Buddy Sports
Buddy sports serve as an introduction to Paralympic sport by teaching the basic concepts of team sports. FCPR offers Buddy Baseball, Buddy Soccer, Buddy Basketball and Buddy Football. Registration is accepted for Buddy Football until March 15 and for Buddy Baseball until May 15. All participants
must have a disability to play. Buddy Football is played in April and Buddy Baseball is played in June. Volunteers are needed for buddies. Players may register at any FCPR site.
5 yrs-Grade 12; Sat.; 9 am-1 pm; $20/season

Youth Wheelchair Basketball
Find the player within! Get in a chair and play. Our adult team is anxious to mentor our youth and help develop them into a strong team. North Carolina needs another youth team. Players will experience opportunities to travel the eastern seaboard for tournaments and competitions. Summer league starts in June and will continue into winter season.
8-15 yrs; Thurs.; 6:30-7:30 pm; Free

Adult Wheelchair Basketball
The Fayetteville Flyers remain to be one of the top teams with in the Carolina Wheelchair Basketball Conference and National Wheelchair Basketball Association. The team is currently ranked 5th in the NWBA Division III. The team is always looking for more players. The wheelchair basketball season begins in Sept. and fi nishes in April. Each new season practices will begin in late Aug. Team practices and home games are held at Massey Hill Classical High School. Call 433-1569 for a detailed practice and game schedule. http://fayettevilleflyers.net/
16+; Mon. and Thurs.; 7-9 pm; Free

Goal Ball
The Fayetteville Paralympic Sport Club along with Bridge II Sports is excited to bring Goal Ball, a sport unique to the blind community, to Fayetteville. It’s a fast-paced competition that’s part of the U.S. Paralympics. A team of three tries to throw a ball over a goal line, while the opposing team guards the goal with their hands, knees and body. They know the position of the ball by bells that are placed inside of it. Bridge II Sports has found that able-bodied people who play “blind” discover a new perspective of and appreciation for the skills that are developed in order to play this diffi cult game. Come on out
and try.
18+; Tues.; 11 am-1 pm; Free

Boccia
Boccia has been a part of the Paralympic Games since 1984. Although the game originated long ago in Italy, its popularity has spread worldwide. Boccia was originally presented as a sport for athletes with cerebral palsy (CP), but is now open to all athletes with severe physical disabilities Boccia tests the athlete's coordination, accuracy, concentration, and ability to strategize. Boccia is played indoors on a flat, smooth surface by individuals, teams of three or pairs. Athletes throw, kick or use an assistive device to propel leather balls as close as possible to a white target ball.
10+; Thurs.; 5-7 pm; Free

Paralympic Experience Day
The Paralympic Experience program introduces individuals with physical and visual disabilities to Paralympic sport on the local and international levels. The goal of the program is show individuals with physical and visual disabilities how participation in sport and living a healthy, active lifestyle can have a profoundly positive impact on their lives. Paralympic Experience events expose local participants to a variety of Paralympic sport opportunities available in the community.
10+; March 21; Reid Ross Classical School; Free
10+; April 23; Massey Hill; Free

Adaptive Kayaking
Fayetteville Paralympic Sport Club is partnering with Team River Runners of Raleigh to bring an adaptive kayaking program. Team River Runners of Raleigh provides health and healing for injured, active duty and service members and veterans through whitewater therapeutic kayaking and other forms of adventure paddling. What we do is physically demanding and socially supportive. We are inclusive in our efforts to serve all disabled veterans and their families.
18+; June 1; Free

Fayetteville Adaptive Adult Social League
FAASL is an organization of compassionate individuals who unite their efforts and talents. Our mission is to provide quality recreational and social programs to individuals with physical disabilities. FAASL works to complement resources already in place while respecting the culture of those whose lives it touches. FAASL offers a variety of sport opportunities followed by a social outing at each meet up. FAASL will explore football, rugby, handball, softball and basketball. League is open to male and female athletes with physical disabilities such as amputation/limb loss, spinal cord injury/wheelchair-users and cerebral palsy/brain injury/stroke. The FAASL will begin in March. Call for more information 433-1569.
16+; $ is needed to cover expenses