It's hard to believe that I've been involved with adapted sports for more than 10 years now. I started competitively swimming in 1998-my freshman year of college. In some ways it feels like adapted sports have always been a part of my life. Other time though-I realize how beneficial they are to children and teenagers with disabilities and I wish I could have gotten involved earlier...which probably accounts for my support of adapted sports long after I've left the pool and retired from formal competition.
I'm ecstatic to announce that I just landed a new job facilitating adapted sports. I started last night! For now, I'll be leading the city's wheelchair tennis and adapted strength training programs. In the fall, I'll help with the swimming programs too. The Cincinnati Recreation Commission has a number of amazing programs, like disability awareness puppet shows in schools and involvement in some awesome charity events like Push America. As a former Paralympian and lover of this city, I'm happy to help them in any way that I can.
Last night was my first opportunity to meet the tennis participants and learn the ropes of how the activity is coordinated. We have athletes ranging from beginners to an internationally-ranked superstar. As I (attempted to) volley with some of the participants, I realized that this summer will be a good chance wear off my athletic rust! Tennis is a unique adapted sport because I think it's one of the few that's relatively easy to play with able-bodied friends and family. The main rule difference for players in wheelchairs is we're allowed TWO bounces instead of one.
[Photo caption: Female wheelchair tennis player stretches out to reach an incoming ball.]
The other program I'll be coordinating, strength training, will involve working out with a group of participants. From the very start of my swimming career, I've loved cross-training. It wasn't something I had to add once I got more competitive because I enjoyed the dry time in the gym to work on areas that I needed to improve. I'll be helping participants plan their exercise routine, figure out which equipment they can use, and adapt workouts as needed. I'm definitely up for a fitness-filled summer.
As I've learned more about my new city, I'm really impressed with how many opportunities there are here for people with disabilities to live active lives. Depending on your interests, it's possible to be involved in adapted sports sponsored by Cincinnati Recreation Commission for up to 6 days a week! Your city or regional area might have programs like this that you don't yet know about. If you'd like me to help look, shoot me a private message and I'd be happy to do a search or ask my colleagues. We are always looking for new participants so your nearest program probably is too!
Have you ever played wheelchair tennis...or the version played on legs;) ?
