We’re expanding again to a third region, exploring adaptive sports programs in the Midwest. This is a work-in-progress so there are many programs we are working to add, but in the meantime please reach out with any suggestions!
Adaptive Sports Resources
Midwest
Adaptive Sports Ohio
Wooster, OH
“Adaptive Sports Ohio was founded in 2009 by Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Followay. The idea of the organization was inspired by Lisa’s son, Casey, who was born with Spina Bifida, and always wanted to play sports. […] In the 17 years since the organization’s inception, Adaptive Sports Ohio has grown to serve hundreds of physically impaired youth and adults across the state through an abundance of competitive and recreational sports. The best is yet to come.”
Adaptive Sports Ohio runs community-based programs including Power Soccer, Sled Hockey, and Wheelchair Tennis as well as interscholastic Track and Field and Wheelchair Basketball.
Chicago Adaptive Sports
Chicago, IL
“Chicago Adaptive Sports provides programming, support and advocacy for individuals with physical and visual disabilities. Our goal is to develop and promote programming adapted to meet the needs of individuals who use manual or power wheelchairs, in addition to those with ambulatory disabilities.”
Chicago Adaptive Sports runs programs including Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Softball, Sled Hockey, Wheelchair Tennis, and Wheelchair Pickleball while also hosting the Chicago Grit Podcast and running No Limits Fishing.
Courage Kenny Adaptive Sports and Recreation
Minneapolis, MN
“We partner with people of all ages and abilities to pursue their goals to live, work, learn and play by providing adaptive sports and recreation programs. These activities are adapted to enhance participants’ independence, improve self-confidence and encourage an active, healthy lifestyle. We also host a number of special events that provide unique opportunities to learn and experience adaptive sports and recreation. We offer individual and team sports for all skill levels and age groups.”
Courage Kenny’s sport offerings include Adaptive Cycling, Adaptive Scuba, Power Soccer, and Wheelchair Rugby.
Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association
Lake Forest, IL
“Our programs fuel the life of an individual on the court and beyond. GLASA is a community where athletes thrive. Our resources, programs and services empower participants to reach their highest potential in all pursuits of life. Every aspect of our mission is to support our athletes. It is our greatest honor to stand in awe and admiration as they achieve their dreams and inspire the world.”
GLASA’s sport offerings include Archery, Goalball, Pickleball, Power Soccer, and Wheelchair Football.
Minnesota Northern Lights Power Soccer Club
Minneapolis, MN
The Minnesota Northern Lights are one of several Power Soccer teams located in Minnesota. They compete in the Premier division, the top level of play within the United States Power Soccer Association.
Ohio Sled Hockey
New Albany, OH
“The mission of Ohio Sled Hockey is to provide the opportunity for individuals with physical limitations to learn about and participate in the sport of hockey. Our focus is on developing each athlete through instruction, encouragement, evaluation, and competition. This progression promotes and improves the sport of sled hockey by allowing local players to participate from novice to national level of play. Athletes will improve overall health and fitness levels while participating in therapeutic and competitive sport. Ohio Sled Hockey athletes will experience team camaraderie, trust, and the development of meaningful friendships both on and off the ice.”
Ohio Sled Hockey has three teams, the Columbus Blades, the Northwest Ohio Arctic Wolves, and the OSH Blue Jackets.
RHI Adaptive Sports Program
Indianapolis, IN
“The Adaptive Sports Program at Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI) is the primary provider of adaptive sports opportunities for individuals with disabilities in central Indiana (Indianapolis and surrounding areas). This program provides those living with physical disability the opportunity to participate in adaptive sports and recreation, increasing their feelings of connection, confidence, purpose, meaning, possibility, thrill, and joy.
Competitive and recreational team sports include wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, power soccer, beep baseball, wheelchair lacrosse, sled hockey, blind hockey, and quad rugby. Elite/Paralympic athletes compete in fencing, archery, water skiing, paratriathlon, racing, track and field, and para-powerlifting. Recreational clinics are held nearly twice per month including a wide variety of activities.”
Shirley Ryan Abilitylab Adaptive Sports Program
Chicago, IL
“The Adaptive Sports Program offers youth and adults with a primary physical disability a great variety of year-round sports and recreation opportunities such as sled hockey, cycling, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball, golf and more.”
SouthEastern Wisconsin Adaptive Ski Program
Alpine Valley Resort, WI
“The SouthEastern Wisconsin Adaptive Ski Program, or SEWASP (pronounced “see-wasp”), provides adaptive alpine skiing and snowboard lessons for people with disabilities in southeastern Wisconsin and surrounding areas. “Adaptive” refers to the modified equipment and teaching techniques used to enable skiers and snowboarders to participate safely and as independently as possible. Instruction is generally provided at Alpine Valley Ski Resort near East Troy, Wisconsin (southwest of Milwaukee on I-43), on Thursday evenings from January through mid-March.”
Thunder Adaptive Sports
Towanda, IL
“At Thunder Adaptive Sports, we believe sports should be accessible to everyone. Whether you’re trying adaptive sports for the first time or looking for recreational opportunities close to home, we’ve designed each of our programs to be inclusive, welcoming, and fun no matter your age, background, or ability level.”
Thunder Adaptive Sports’s first program was Sled Hockey, subsequently expanding to Cycling and Track & Field.
Turnstone
Fort Wayne, IN
“Turnstone offers adaptive sports programs for youth, ages 5 and up, adults, and veterans who have physical or visual, intellectual, or developmental disabilities. We offer recreational, competitive, and elite-level fitness and sports programs, clinics, camps, and tournaments. All programs are led by certified coaches and qualified instructors. We welcome everyone from first-time athletes to Paralympic competitors.”
Turnstone’s competitive sport teams include Wheelchair Basketball, Power Soccer, Sled Hockey, and Wheelchair Rugby.