Adaptive sports (also known as para sports) and fitness are competitive or recreational sports for people with and without disabilities. Adaptive sports use modifications of rules or equipment that allow for equitable participation in sport by people with disabilities. Some adaptive sports are variations of existing able-bodied sports that run parallel to those sport activities (e.g. wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis). Some adaptive sports have been specifically designed for persons with a disability and do not have an able-bodied equivalent activity (e.g. goalball).
The aim of the University of Michigan Adaptive Sports & Fitness program is to increase awareness about, knowledge of, access to, and participation in adaptive sports and fitness among people with and without disabilities.
Our vision is to lead the state of Michigan and the nation in adaptive sport and fitness by embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
To fulfill our vision, the Adaptive Sports & Fitness program strives to:
- Address barriers and create recreational and competitive opportunities for people with and without disabilities at the University of Michigan and in the greater Ann Arbor community to participate in adaptive sports and fitness.
- Advocate for institutional, structural, and policy change that supports equitable opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in physical activity that supports their physical, social, and mental wellness and overall quality of life.
- Lead projects, programs, and research that increase awareness about, knowledge of, access to, and participation in adaptive sports and fitness among people with and without disabilities at the University of Michigan, in the Ann Arbor community, and in the state of Michigan K-12 education system.
- Create equitable opportunities and programming at the University of Michigan through collaboration with Recreational Sports and Athletics that supports student-athletes with disabilities who seek to compete at varsity, national, and international level competitions, including the Paralympic Games.
- Collaborate with units, departments, programs, and schools across the University of Michigan to create new value, support cross-disciplinary initiatives that align with common goals, and promote adaptable talent management
- Engage the student population and other student clubs and organizations at the University of Michigan through the Adaptive Sports and Fitness Student Group to promote awareness about, knowledge of, access to, and participation in adaptive sports and fitness among people with and without disabilities.
Students, staff, and faculty with and without disabilities are welcome to get involved in the Adaptive Sports & Fitness program through the following opportunities:
- Participate or volunteer at drop-in, recreational, and competitive programming in:
- Adaptive Track and Field
- Para-Equestrian
- Wheelchair Basketball
- Wheelchair Tennis
- Join the Adaptive Sports & Fitness Student Group
- Ask about our volunteer and internship opportunities
For further information about getting involved, please contact Erik Robeznieks at [email protected].
To keep up to date with our athletes, events & live streams of competitions, view our Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube.
To learn more about us, view our website.