How Adaptive Sports Can Influence Your Child’s Life

Written by Paul Ward, Director of Adaptive Sports

As someone who was born with spina bifida, I know firsthand how beneficial getting involved in adaptive sports can be. Adaptive sports are competitive or recreational sports that have modifications for people with disabilities. These modifications may involve special equipment or rule changes that allow individuals of all abilities to become active and play. I have been involved in the adaptive sports community from a very early age. The fellowship and camaraderie that is built through participating in adaptive sports helps to create a sense of belonging and a desire to learn new skills, all while having fun with others.  I still have friendships with athletes I met while participating in adaptive sports when I was six years old.  They have been the people I can rely on to help me get through things that others living without a disability might not be able to understand.

Adaptive sports not only build a great community for participants, but they are also a resource for parents and guardians of children with disabilities; being able to talk to other parents and share the challenges and rewards of helping a child navigate living with a disability.  It is a community like no other where you can feel free to discuss concerns, share frustrations and celebrate milestones with others who can relate to you and your family’s situation.

Not only are adaptive sports wonderful for building community, they also teach children valuable life skills and get kids of all abilities to live a more active life. Through participating in adaptive sports, kids can learn how to set individual goals, work hard to improve their abilities, develop friendships, be a supportive team member and overcome disappointment. Adaptive sports can also lead children to experience new places and cultures.  There are many local competitions, as well as Junior Nationals, Special Olympics or even the Paralympics that allow children to see new places, cultures and ways of doing things that they did not know were possible.

At Franciscan Children’s, we offer a wide variety of adaptive sports programs for children of all ages and abilities in a supportive and compassionate setting. Our staff works tirelessly to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn and play at their pace, so every kid can reach their fullest potential. I look forward to welcoming you and your child to the adaptive sports community at Franciscan Children’s