As the eight-year-old's buddies grow older, they become physically faster, stronger and more agile explained Sarah Calvert, Jacob's mother. It can be frustrating for the energetic youngster and a parent trying to find activities that recognize her son's special needs.

Variety, the Toronto children's charity organization, may have the answer for Calvert, her son and other local families facing a similar dilemma. Renowned for providing integrated sports and life skills programs for disabled and developmentally challenged children and youth, Variety is piloting its Adapted Physical Education Program in Brampton.

The 11-week program will give local children and youth facing physical or developmental barriers a chance to take part in various sport and recreation activities. Variety is hosting its program at St. Edmund Campion Secondary School, 275 Brisdale Dr., just west of Chinguacousy Road and Sandalwood Parkway.

The sports/recreation program is being geared to children and youth ranging in age from 3-21. Activities are scheduled to begin in March for children aged 3-12 and youth aged 14-21. Sessions will take place from 6-9 p.m. and cost $82.50 per child over the 11-week period.

Jacob is interested in all the sports and activities a child his age finds enjoyable. "My son, he'll try anything," Calvert said.

But many of the organized community activities Jacob would like to register for or participate in with friends are not designed to be inclusive for someone with her son's physical abilities, Calvert explained. She was recently turned away at a Tae Kwon-do school that simply couldn't adapt classes to accommodate Jacob.

Variety's program is open to children and youth of all abilities, but specifically caters to participants with developmental and physical challenges. The program provides instructors and adaptive equipment to allow participation of disabled children and youth. Parents are welcome, but not required to stay or assist at the program while children participate.

Participants can take part in such activities as bocce ball or wheelchair basketball, volleyball, other sports and games. Since the program is open to children and youth of all abilities, able body participants in the program might play in wheelchairs during a wheelchair basketball game.

Program administrators noted the activities could help disabled participants build a sense of independence, confidence, self-worth and well being while having fun and improving fitness.

Calvert and her son attended one of two open houses held at St. Edmund Campion during January. Parents, caregivers and their children came to see what Variety had to offer local residents. Children and staff played some of the recreational games the program has in store for participants.

The gymnasium hardwood thundered under the feet of kids running from one end to the other.

Jacob occasionally stumbled and fell, but he and the Variety staff member he was partnered with were never far behind the other participants. The games in this gym wait for everyone to catch up.

The tired youngster said he would be back for the program when it starts up in March. "It's fun," he explained.

For more information or to register, contact Garth Riley at 416-699-7176, ext. 237 or email griley@varietyvillage.on.ca.