Anything is Possible: A Little Motivation to Get Involved in Adaptive Sports

Did you read yesterday’s post and doubt what sport might be possible for you? Did you second guess your abilities and let any limitations you might have hold you back? Well, maybe the below arguments from the CDC and UN might help you to face down the challenges and act…

“Almost 1 in 6 Americans 5-years and older have at least one disability; however, only 12% of all adults with a disability meet the minimum physical activity recommendations (either 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least 5 days a week or 20 minutes of rigorous activity at least 3 days a week). Physical inactivity among people with disabilities has been linked to an increase in the severity of disability and decreased involvement in the community.”

-Centers for Disease Control, Washington, 2010 (courtesy of AccessSportAmerica)

 “Sport has the power to change the lives of persons living with a disability in an equally profound way, by empowering them to realize their full potential and advocate for change in society. Through sport, persons with disabilities acquire vital social skills, develop independence, and become empowered to act as agents of change. Sport teaches individuals how to communicate effectively and highlights the significance of teamwork, cooperation, and respect for others. Sport is also well suited to reducing dependence and developing greater independence by helping persons with disabilities become physically and mentally stronger. These skills can be transferred into other arenas including employment and advocacy work to further self-sufficiency.”

-United Nations, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, May 2008

For a little added motivation, check out the below videos of a few of the many adaptive sports available… For more videos and sports enthusiasts, check out the Reeve Foundation website's "Sports & Recreation" section...

Adaptive Alpine Skiing:

Surfing:

Enjoying the Skate Park:

Wheelchair Tennis:

Swimming:

Handcycling:

 No matter what your limitations might be, there's an adaptive sport out there for everyone!

An Adaptive Sports Expo: The United Spinal Association's Annual Kids Sports Spectacular

Max Wong and Lindell Lowe at the 2013 KSSOn Saturday, August 17^th, the United Spinal Association held their annual Kids Sports Spectacular in Philadelphia, PA. The KSS features adaptive sports clinics for kids with disabilities and their families. From basketball and baseball to hand-cycling and tennis, the KSS shows its participants just how active they can be in a variety of sports.

5-year-old Max Wong and his family made the journey from Queens, NY for their second trip to the KSS. Three years ago, surgery to remove a spinal tumor confined Max to a wheelchair. Despite the new challenges, Max’s family “made it their mission to seek out opportunities for him to be active.” By attending the KSS, Max got to try new sports and “bond with new friends and mentors—all living proof that the sky’s the limit when it comes to his abilities.” Inspired by the experience and the encouragement of those he met, Max has joined adaptive sled hockey and tennis clubs back home.

For this year’s keynote speech, the KSS invited Margaret ‘Maggie’ Redden, a U.S. Paralympian and Ms. Wheelchair New Jersey 2013. Maggie contracted polio as a child in India but has refused to let this disrupt her life. In line with KSS’s theme that determination and perseverance make anything possible, Maggie proclaimed, “Paralysis hasn’t stopped me from achieving.” No matter who you are or where you’re from, paralysis doesn’t have to stop you from achieving either.

Gavin Toney and keynote speaker Maggie ReddenTo read more about the United Spinal Association’s Kids Sports Spectacular, click here.

Looking to get involved in adaptive sport but missed this year’s KSS? No worries, check out the below links to find groups near you!

Boston area:

Spaulding Adaptive Sports & Recreation Program Website (Centers in Boston, Cape Cod (Sandwich, MA) and The North Shore (Salem, MA)

Access Sport America Website

For more info on how to participate in Access Sport America, contact Betty Miller at 978 264 0985 x 1192 or email Betty@AccessSportAmerica.org

Nationally:

Disabled Sports USA Website

Check out all the programs they offer and look for a Chapter near you!