No matter someone’s physical or cognitive disabilities, everyone can benefit from healthy competition. Adaptive sports carry the same level of competitiveness, team spirit, and confidence-building for people with disabilities.
From community teams to pickup games, group classes to the Paralympic Games, adaptive sports are a great way for people with disabilities to stay active. Some people go on to professional careers in adaptive sports, while others build social connections closer to home.
Today, we explore the world of adaptive sports: what they are, who they benefit, and how to get involved with adaptive sports in your community.
We answer questions like:
What are adaptive sports?
Which sports can be adapted for people with disabilities?
Who can play adaptive sports?
What are the benefits of adaptive sports for people with disabilities?
Where can I find an adaptive sports program or get more information about adaptive sports?
What are adaptive sports?
The term “adaptive sports” describes recreational or competitive sports designed for people with physical, cognitive, or other disabilities.
Often following similar rules to traditional sports, adaptive sports change equipment, play time, team structure, or rules to make these sports accessible to all.
Which sports can be adapted for people with disabilities?
Examples of adaptive sports include:
Individual sports, like wheelchair racing.
Cycling with specially designed bikes.
Sports that incorporate wheelchairs, like wheelchair basketball.
Sledge hockey, a version of hockey that involves sleds instead of ice skates.
Outdoor activities, like adapted hiking, fishing, or kayaking.
Winter sports, like accessible skiing.
Performing arts, like adaptive dance troupes.
Team sports, like quad rugby, football, or “beep” baseball (a type of baseball designed for people with low vision, which uses specialized equipment and audio cues to guide players through the game).
Who can play adaptive sports?
Anyone! The best part of adaptive sports is that they are designed for anyone to take part. What sport works best for someone will depend on their specific disability.
For example, someone with below-the-waist paralysis might enjoy wheelchair team sports, while someone with a visual disability might try hiking with a guide.
Adaptive sports can be just for fun or as competitive as taking part in the Paralympic Games, an international sports competition that follows the same structure as the Olympics.
Paralympic athletes can have the same international followings, corporate sponsorships, and rigorous training programs as Olympic athletes. The only difference is that the Paralympics involve adaptions for different disabilities.
What are the benefits of adaptive sports for people with disabilities?
One of the largest benefits of adaptive sports is exercise. Doctors recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
This type of exercise can:
Improve blood pressure and circulation.
Reduce the risk of stroke, diabetes, cancer, or heart attacks.
Support gut health.
Boost oxygen circulation in the blood.
Improve mental health.
Support better sleep.
The other benefits of adaptive sports besides exercise are social and emotional. Someone with a disability who takes part in adaptive sports might:
Feel more positive
Reduce their risk of developing depression or anxiety
Feel included in and supported by their community
Make friends, meet mentors, and build communication skills
Enjoy more quality time with friends and family
Learn practices or routines that could be useful for future employment
Build self-confidence and feelings of empowerment
Where can I find an adaptive sports program or get more information about adaptive sports?
A great place to start looking for adaptive sports programs for kids is your child’s school. If they don’t already run adaptive sports programs of their own, many school systems, library networks, and community organizations keep track of local teams or organizations that sponsor accessible sports teams.
For adults, community centers, support groups, and some doctors’ offices may have connections to local adaptive sports teams. You can also find online databases, event calendars, and local connections from nonprofits and national organizations like:
If you’re not sure where to start, Ability Central offers a searchable national database of nonprofits offering services like adaptive sports. Use our Service Locator tool and Events Calendar to find an adaptive sports organizer near you.
