Adaptive sports is the term used to describe sports modified in a way that allows people with physical, and sometimes mental, disabilities to participate. Often this involves specialized equipment such as a wheelchair or a prosthetic. Sports for athletes with visual disabilities might use a ball with bells inside so the athlete can hear it, or runners who are blind have a guide that runs with them. Most sports try to maintain the same rules as the non-adaptive version. But sometimes a few rules might need to be adjusted. For example, the primary difference between wheelchair and standing basketball involves dribbling. Wheelchair athletes must pass or bounce the ball after two pushes of their wheelchair to avoid a traveling violation.

 

Many adaptive sports were created by soldiers after World War II as part of their rehabilitation that was then maintained for recreation and eventually competition. Wheelchair basketball is one such sport that was developed by soldiers injured in WWII. It became one of the original eight sports at the first Paralympics in Rome in 1960. The other sports were archery, Para athletics (track & field events), dartchery (a sport combining darts and archery), snooker (similar to pool or billiards), Para swimming, table tennis, and wheelchair fencing. 

 

The Paralympics are the culminating event for athletes with physical disabilities. Athletes with mental disabilities compete in the Special Olympics. But adaptive sports is not just about Olympic competition. Just like sports are an everyday occurrence for children without disabilities, whether at recess, in the neighborhood, or on an organized team, adaptive sports need to be a part of everyday life for children with disabilities too. Whether joining in at recess, being included in gym class or PE, or playing with other children on your street, all children need the benefits of exercise, teamwork, and belonging. Having a disability might mean one can’t play the same as others, but it does not mean one can’t play! You simply have to find the right equipment, and/or the right sport. Thankfully many, many options are available. Use the following resources to find an option that works for you!

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Adaptive Sports Programs throughout the United States:

https://www.challengedathletes.org/adaptive-sport-organizations/  

 

American Association of AdaptED Sports Programs: https://adaptedsports.org/

 

Move United: https://moveunitedsport.org/ 

 

Wheelchair Sports Federation: https://wheelchairsportsfederation.org/ 

 

US Paralympics Team: https://www.usopc.org/paralympic-sport-development

 

Special Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.org/