Here we are in the middle of spring; and I'm still embarrassingly waffling over which sport I should focus on in the beautiful weather. I've once again missed my opportunity to do cross-country skiing. Perhaps table tennis will be within reach for me this summer...

Though I myself am a bit indecisive, I love the idea of each of us finding at least one sport or other athletic activity that's fun and right for us, and participating on a regular basis.

To this end, several libraries have hosted 50+ Fitness Fairs in the past, in 2012 and 2009.

This Saturday, NYPL partners with the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, NYC Adaptive Climbing and Peak Potential to offer a day of information, so people with varying abilities—particularly those with vision loss/blindness, limited mobility, and cognitive/developmental disabilities—can find the right sport for themselves! Representatives of sports for all ages will be present to speak one-on-one as well as give presentations in the auditorium; there will also be lots of videos and demonstrations.

Motivational speaker Mark Farrell will give the keynote presentation at 10:30 a.m. in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building's South Court Auditorium, and there will be a pretty full complement of speakers after that until 3:30. For those preferring to get some, most, or all of their information in one fell swoop, all the organizations will have their information available in the Berger Forum for the entire day.

Mark Farrell

Schedule of Presentations

10:30-11:00 a.m. Keynote Address: Mark Farrell
11:15-11:30 a.m. Long Island Bombers
11:30-11:45 a.m. Tennis Serves
11:45 a.m.-12 p.m. Seido Karate for the Blind
12-12:15 p.m. Achilles International: activities for those with blindness/low vision
12:15-1 p.m. Break for Lunch
1-1:15 p.m. NYC Adaptive Climbing
1:15-1:30 p.m. Peak Potential
1:30-1:45 p.m. Leaps of Faith
1:45-2:00 p.m. Achilles International: Activities for those with limited mobility
2:00-2:15 p.m. Henry Viscardi School/Wheelchair Basketball
2:15-2:30 p.m. Challenged Athletes Foundation
2:30-2:45 p.m Gallop NYC
2:45-3:00 p.m. Row New York
3:00-3:15 p.m. Round Star Foundation
3:15-3:30 p.m. Kicking the Spectrum

Other organizations that will be providing information include Citywide Aquatics, KEEN New York, Dancing Dreams and VISIONS Services for the Blind.

All are welcome. No registration; but space is limited. For more information, please call 212-340-0951 or e-mail brigidcahalan@nypl.org.