Tag Archives: adaptive sports

Warfighter Sports

Warfighter Sports have provided 8,200 wounded warriors and family opportunities to participate in more than 30 sports since 2003, free of any costs.

The mission of Warfighter Sports is simple:
Provide adaptive sports to severely wounded warriors free of cost. Thanks to generous supporters, they have supported 1,500 wounded warriors just last year alone.

Apply To Be A Warfighter Here

Warfighter Sports Individual Training Grants
Warfighter Sports is offering grants to veterans and members of the armed forces with permanent physical disabilities who do not have nearby access to adaptive training in the sport of their choice.

Grant funding can be used to assist with participation expenses associated with their individual sport goals. Successful applicants will be awarded grant funding as well as Warfighter Sports apparel to wear during their participation.

The goal of this program is to help veterans and members of the armed forces with permanent physical disabilities gain independence in their chosen sport, so that even if an adaptive club is not available nearby, they have the ability to participate in non-adaptive programs alongside family and friends.

Grants of up to $1000, per warrior, per year are available on a rolling basis until all funds have been spent. Funds are only distributed once valid receipts and reports have been received by Disabled Sports USA. Applicants will be notified if their grant is approved within 21 business days of their submission.

Grant Qualifications:

Veterans or members of the armed forces with a permanent physical disability* who do not have nearby access to adaptive training in their chosen sport
Veterans or members of the armed forces with a permanent physical disability* who are seeking advanced training, competitive or classification opportunities in their chosen sport
$1000 maximum grant awarded per year
Must participate in qualified sporting activity (see application for specific list)

*i.e. spinal cord injury, amputation, vision impairment, traumatic brain injury, nerve/joint or muscle damage that permanently impedes function.

Sample Expenses Covered:

Travel expenses to train in an adaptive sport if not offered locally
Travel to attend classification opportunities or Paralympic competition
Coaching fees for individualized instruction
Adaptive sports equipment not covered by the VA

Reporting Requirements:

The following is to be submitted no later than two weeks post-activity or by September 1, 2015 (whichever is soonest)

Brief summary of program outcomes (one paragraph)
Photo of participation in activity (preferably while wearing Warfighter Sports provided apparel)
Provide valid receipts for expenses

New England DisAbled Sports: Winter Activities

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New Englands Disabled Sports- Winter Activities

About New England DisAbled Sports
New England DisAbled Sports is a national recognized program which provides year round adaptive sport instruction to adults and children with physical and cognitive disAbilities.

Their programs allow individuals with disAbilities to enjoy a boundary-free environment, enjoy outdoor recreation with friends and family, as well as provide access to equipment and instruction that might otherwise be unavailable.

Their Mission:
The Mission of New England DisAbled Sports is, through sports, to change lives affected by disAbilities. Download New England DisAbled Sports brochure

Their Vision:
They envision a world where disAbilities are not barriers.

Their Values:

They embrace volunteerism
They foster community
They strive for excellence
They listen to and learn from everyone
They nurture personal development through high-quality training and instruction
They strive for diversity

Winter Activities

Alpine Skiing

Mono skiing
The mono ski is a device used mainly by people with limited use (or absence) of the lower extremities. A mono ski, also known as a sit-ski, consists of a molded seat mounted on a metal frame. A shock absorber beneath the seat eases riding on uneven terrain and helps in turning by maximizing ski-snow contact. Modern mono skis interface with a single, ordinary alpine ski by means of a “ski foot,” a metal or plastic block in the shape of a boot sole that clicks into the ski’s binding. A mono skier use outriggers for stability; an outrigger resembles a forearm crutch with a short ski on the bottom. People new to mono-skiing are often surprised to see how much terrain is skiable in a mono ski; advanced mono skiers can be found not only carving turns on groomed runs but also skiing moguls, terrain parks, race courses, glades and even backcountry terrain—in short, wherever stand-up skiers can go.

Bi-skiing
A bi-ski is a sit ski with a can be skied independently like the mono-ski with hand-held outriggers, or can be skied with the assistance of an instructor using stabilizing outriggers and tethers. The skier moves his or her head, shoulders or hand-held outriggers to turn the bi-ski. The bi-ski has a lift mechanism for getting onto a chairlift. It can also be used to accustom a new sit-skier to the snow before moving to a mono-ski. Bi-skis are used by people with upper and lower limb impairments and with poor balance. People with these impairments might bi-ski:

Cerebral palsy
Multiple sclerosis
Muscular dystrophy
Amputees
Spinal cord injury
Severe epilepsy
Spinal bifida
Severe balance impairment

Outriggers are metal elbow crutches with the tip section of a ski pivoted on the bottom of the crutch. Some outriggers have adjustable brakes attached to the back edge of the ski to give some speed control. Outriggers are used to aid balance and/or to give support. Outriggers are used by mono-skiers, bi-skiers and standing skiers needing aid with balance.

3-Track & 4-Track skiing
3 track skiing is defined as skiing on one ski with outriggers to maintain balance. The student is able to stand on one ski and maintain dynamic balance with the assistance of outriggers (poles). 4 track skiing is very similar to 3 track but the skier has 2 feet on skies, rather than one.

Visually Impaired
Alpine (downhill) skiing is one of the rare opportunities available that allows the blind individual to move freely at speed through time and space. It provides the opportunity to embrace and commune with the primal force of gravity, thus experiencing the sheer exhilaration of controlled mass in motion, in a physically independent setting.

For those with Visual Impairment, a sighted Guide is needed. For lesser impairment the guide may simply need to ski a short distance in front of the skier to show the way. Skiers with greater vision loss or who are totally blind will generally ski using a headset arrangement to give audible instruction.

Snowboarding
Snowboarding has become very popular with New England DisAbled Sports students. People with cognitive or physical disAbilities are able to participate and experience the thrills of riding the mountain. The number of snowboarding lessons increases each year as the sport grows in popularity within our community. New England DisAbled Sports offers ski and snowboard lessons daily throughout the winter season.

Snowshoeing
Come explore the snow trails and fresh air of the mountains covered in snow while snowshoeing. Enjoy a winter hike in the woods from the more stable base of snowshoes. Take in peaceful scenery while working to improve your physical fitness level, balance and spatial awareness. You’ll love it!

Winter Biathlon
A seemingly unlikely combination of events – one is an aerobic activity (skiing or running) which requires strength, speed and endurance; the other is a passive activity (shooting) which requires concentration and a steady hand (difficult after you’ve been skiing, running or walking all out!).

Easy Ways to Adapt Sports for Kids with Disabilities

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Step up to the plate, take the game-winning shot, leap across the finish line – the thrill of sports is nearly impossible to compare or match to that of another activity. For kids with a disAbility or other mobility limitations, sports can seem intimidating, as if they were a task too difficult to complete. With adaptive sports on the rise and more and more athletes with disAbilities making waves with their skill, kids of all ages and abilities should be encouraged to participate in these exciting activities. With a few modifications, even the most demanding sports can be completely accessible.

Basketball
Wider and lower hoops make this fast paced game a simpler competition. Use buckets, hula-hoops or even boxes can provide a larger targeted area, making it easier for kids to make those winning shots. Lower the “hoops” to a manageable height to boost your child’s confidence in their game.

Baseball
Tees aren’t just useful in golf; they are an excellent way to allow kids to take better aim when hitting a baseball. This sport, amongst others, can improve a child’s hand-eye coordination and focus, as well as instill a sense of teamwork in them.

Volleyball
Beach balls can quickly transform the sport of volleyball into a fully inclusive activity that’s sure to be a blast for everyone. The light beach balls are not only easier to hit, but they allow more time for players with disAbilities to react after the other team’s move. Balloons are another great alternative.

Whatever your sport of choice is, all it takes is a little ingenuity to adapt it to suit a child with a disAbility. Invite your kids’ friends over for backyard Olympics or stir up some friendly competition with your child – not only will sports allow kids to be more active, they’re a great way of improving social skills and abilities.

Adaptive Sports for People With Disabilities

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People with disabilities are capable of anything they set their minds to — and sports are no exception.

Adaptive sports, otherwise known as para-sports or sports for people with disabilities, are just that. These sports promote mobility, community and excitement while offering physical benefits for people with disabilities.

Adaptive sports span a broad spectrum, from mild modifications on traditional games to the invention of brand new sports as a whole. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking to jump into the action for the first time, there’s sure to be a sport for you.

Traditional Adaptive Sports
Many adaptive sports are a nod of the cap to mainstream sports, such as basketball, soccer, baseball, tennis and hockey. Not surprisingly, there are youth and adult leagues for both individual options (like fishing, bowling and Bocce) and team activities.

General formats typically remain the same and may serve as a great entry point for newcomers to pull from their familiarity of the sport and its strategy. Joining a team is also a great way to make new friends, establish workout partners, find a carpool buddy and build community. Not to mention, sports are a great excuse to burn calories, and maybe even get some fresh air.

Interestingly enough, adaptive sports and their athletes have inspired brilliant technology for participants with disabilities. Whether you are paraplegic, blind or have some other disability, if you use a wheelchair, wear a brace, drive a mobility vehicle or have other equipment to accommodate your needs, para-sports have options for you. Adaptive technology is available for a wide range of sports and includes a variety of equipment, such as:

Ringing soccer balls
Forearm fishing supports
Retractable-handle bowling balls

The goal of this type of equipment is to provide you more independence and freedom so you can focus on the fun.

Adventurous Outdoor Para-Sports
If traditional is a bit too tame for your liking, many adventurous outdoor sports are also out there.

From horseback riding and biskiing, kayaking and even downhill biking, adaptive sports are conquering the court, the slopes and everything in between. Not unlike their traditional counterparts, adventure sports are a great way to reclaim range of motion, build muscle, clear the head and get a healthy kick of adrenaline from time to time.

Some athletes, like Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham (born with Spina Bifida), have even broken into the extreme sports venue, proving sometimes a wheelchair ramp can be inspiration for larger ramps.

Where to Start
It’s easy to start a new sport or join a team. As long as you keep a few of the fundamentals in mind, you’ll be having a blast in no time.

Here are some basics to help you dive in:

Search your community for leagues and events
Join a team and/or find a mentor (someone who can show you the ropes)
Upgrade your equipment if you’re really serious
Practice makes perfect

Remember that everyone had to start somewhere and athletic skill is often the accumulation of effort. What’s most important is a willingness to learn and a desire to have fun.

And chances are, there is a team somewhere looking for a person just like you!

Play from your Chair: Sports that Don’t Require Adaptive Equipment

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Staying fit with wheelchair sports
Wheelchair sports have seen a surge in popularity over the past few years. From Olympic competitions to locally organized events, more athletes with disabilities have discovered the excitement and thrill of competition that can be found in adaptive sports. Although designs have been made to make even the most challenging activities available to those with limited mobility, such as adaptive surfboards, skis and more, there are also a number of sports that do not require the use of any special equipment and can be enjoyed by people of all skill levels and abilities.

Archery
Unleash your inner Katniss Everdeen/Legolas Greenleaf and experience the exhilaration of a bulls-eye shot. While archery may not be the first activity you think of when sports are brought up, it’s actually a great form of exercise, building arm strength, hand-eye coordination and focus.

Table Tennis
Table tennis allows wheelchair users and able-bodied people to compete head-to-head against each other, making this a truly inclusive sport. Its ability to accommodate multiple levels of players has made table tennis one of the most popular sports for wheelchair users. It is even an integral part of many rehabilitation programs!

Bowling
Unlike many other sports, bowling offers the opportunity to enjoy food, drinks and good times with friends while actively competing against each other. This unique characteristic makes this a popular sport to enjoy while on a nighttime outing and is something the whole family can enjoy.

Basketball
Although wheelchair basketball can be physically demanding, it is also incredibly rewarding. While certain aspects of the game may be modified at the request or needs of certain players, a hoop, a ball and a love of the game are all the requirements for this competitive sport.

With the growth in popularity of adaptive sports, it’s the perfect opportunity to get involved! Round up some friends and get on the road to athletic achievement.