Adaptive Sports For Life
Sports! That single word can conjure up what seems like an endless amount of different pictures in as many minds who hear it! It’s true not everyone enjoys sports or even enjoys watching sports; but that doesn’t mean a rapid sports image won’t come to mind.
I have never been involved in sports, or even a little athletic. But I do enjoy watching a variety of different kinds of sports, especially during the Olympic games when there are so many to choose from, both in Summer and Winter classes.
To be successful in any sport requires a genuine interest, a bit of talent— (sometimes significant talent), a passion to excel, and a determination to practice! And in some cases, resourcefulness and grit to be involved, despite circumstances!
An injury (disabled veteran) or an accident which takes regular determination to a higher level, or those with a physical limitation, can alter the understood ‘definition of ability’, and specifically, the ability to be able to participate in a particular sport. These circumstances can drive a person to achieve high quality competitiveness in the sports arena, in ways considered non-traditional or an ‘out of the box’ perspective.
Those with balance, strength or flexibility issues, poor vision or hearing, or even challenges affecting concentration, have discovered modified equipment, so they too, can be included in a sport they love, or in a sport which can enhance their quality of life.
Some of these include wheelchair sports, cycling, hockey, dancing, and even fencing! These sports increase value to their lives through fitness, rehabilitation and recovery! It also aids socialization, self-confidence and self-worth.
Organizations throughout the United States offer a plethora of options and opportunities to be involved in 'adaptive sports'. Some offer fishing, hunting, and family camping events for those suffering a large range of disabilities. They offer equipment to enhance wellbeing. They aid in success to make life an ‘adventure’ again; to decrease limitations and stress, while increasing the mind’s willingness to heal, even if the physical limitation isn’t removed.
Still others offer climbing or para-climbing, which helps with muscle strength, coordination, and balance. Sailing, diving, flying, parachuting and gliding are other adaptive sport options to learn new skills and offer social interaction.
If snow sports are your passion, there is an outlet for you, as well! Skiers of all abilities are encouraged to honor their dream by joining others on the slopes. This skill has helped some grasp onto life again, as confidence in their abilities soared.
The power gained from success not only on the ski slope, but also in other adaptive sports, aids in physical capacity like increased muscle tone and strength, but powers the mind and heart in ways which can only be described as miraculous, given the strides made in cognitive and emotional stimulation. It pushes out the lethargy, and indifference which can grip us when life throws us a ‘curve ball.’ It electrifies the psychology of ‘being’, while intensifying and challenges, the desire for accomplishment.
Dreaming that you can do it, is half the battle. Many of our National Parks have recognized the need and benefits of making certain those with limited abilities, for whatever reason, have options to be included in this life changing scenario. Some have created trail systems to accommodate those who find regular trails inaccessible, by offering ‘multi-use’ trails allowing all-terrain mobility devices as an option, among other enhanced projects. It’s a way to encourage those with limited abilities to enjoy the outdoors and all of God’s creation!
Most of us enjoy some type of adventure; something that excites, stimulates and provides challenge! Outdoor sports is a genuine source of this type of adrenaline rush! God didn’t provide this diversion just for the strong able-bodied person. He also provided for the wounded veteran, the person in a tragic accident which changed his life forever, and for the person born with a disability wanting to enhance their quality of life, connect with other people and heal.
Healing isn’t just about the physical scars which remain visible, but also about those scars, deep within, which gnaw at our self-worth and value. God can use sports to create the ‘energy’ needed to get out there and enjoy His creation, and your life again, providing a path of healing.
Photo Credit: Adaptive Sport Equipment