When Max Fransen watched his godson Leslie Lambert light up on the sidelines of a local game, he saw more than a shy smile — he saw a spark that deserved a stage.
That spark grew into Tackling Disabilities, a free football camp that pairs children with disabilities with high school athletes for drills, skill stations and games.
Starting July 15, the camp will take over the fields at Tri-Valley High School, welcoming students from kindergarten through twelfth grade regardless of district.
The day is designed as a celebration of ability, where campers experience the thrill of the sport while parents relax, knowing their children are in safe, supportive hands.
A day of inclusion and mentorship
Josh Roop, head coach at Tri-Valley, has thrown his weight behind the effort, providing staff and field access, while longtime collaborator Brock Spack helps coordinate the logistics.
For returning campers, the continuity of being matched with familiar players adds a layer of comfort that transforms the experience from a one‑off event into a growing community.
All donations collected during the camp flow directly to Special Olympics, turning each tackle into a contribution to a larger cause.
A legacy in the making
Fransen’s own football journey — from playing at Illinois State University to coaching at Illinois Wesleyan — has been driven by a belief that sport can bridge gaps.
By embedding the camp in a high school setting, he hopes to create a pipeline where today’s campers become tomorrow’s mentors, ensuring the program’s impact endures beyond a single summer.