Adaptive Resource Guides: Part 4, Sports Abilities BONUS: Interview with Founder

BONUS: Scroll down to read an interview with Sports Abilities founder John Vcelka

This is part four in a series about resource guides for United States based Adaptive Sport and Recreation events and programming.  This information should benefit a participant, a parent, a volunteer, or anyone looking for information about what is going on in adaptive sport and recreation around the US.  Showcasing four resource guides over the next four blog posts part 4 is about Sports Abilities.

Sports Abilities:

• Founded in 2010
• Aim is to be the premiere resource calendar for adaptive events in the United States.
• Works directly with adaptive sports programs and organizations
• Searchable calendar by state on website
• Site also includes links to adaptive:
• Sports Associations
• Sports Equipment
• Sports Venues
• Disability Blogs
• A Classified Section

Sports Abilities includes motivational videos like this one 

which is a trailer for the documentary film "Recovering"

Sports Abilities created a very easy to use online community that shares information about adaptive sport and recreation around the United States.  

• Sports Abilities searchable calendar by state can be found by clicking here

Sports Abilities is doing a fantastic job connecting participants and volunteers with programs.  I had a chance to speak with the founder of this company John Vcelka over the phone and what follows is what he had to say.

John Vcelka Interview: Sports Abilities Founder and Director

RAM- What is your background?  

John Vcelka (JV)- I am originally from Illinois and moved to Colorado several years ago.  I have been involved in adaptive sports for seven year since my injury.  I really enjoy being active, networking and making connections between friends and organizations.

RAM- When did you start Sports Abilities?

JV- Sports Abilities as it is today was launched in June 2011 and the idea for this current version got its start in about 2 years ago on a trip to Chicago.  Although it can be traced back for several years as I was running a calendar and newsletter for friends in the Denver Colorado area since that time.

RAM- Where did you get the idea for Sports Abilities?  

JV- It got an organic start from a need I saw in the Denver CO area for a comprehensive calendar of Adaptive Sport and Recreation area events.  Then I went on a trip a couple of years ago to Chicago.  I ran into several road blocks when I asked a couple adaptive programs in that area if they could help me find a tennis partner.  These programs were unable to assist with my request. I then started a calendar in Chicago but said to myself why stop there.  Why not create a national wide calendar which would benefit adaptive athletes and adaptive programs alike.  The real motivation came when I told people about my idea and they said, "That's impossible"  "Good luck" "You will never be able to do that".  I love a good challenge.

RAM- What has been the feedback so far?


JV- If numbers of site visitors are any indication it has been a great response.  Since the launch of the site in June of 2011 we went from several visitors a month to thousands.  We now get hits monthly from all 50 states and some international.  Some of the best feedback is when I hear that the site benefited someone who needs it most.  Stories of individuals with disabilities getting off the couch and getting active are fuel for me to keep going.

RAM- What have been your successes with the calendar?


JV- As I stated the motivational stories are the number one success.  But I would also say that adaptive sport programs are really starting to get on board and post events through their google calendar.  Programs are now using the calendar to plan their events.  When making a sports schedule or planning a major event they can get on Sports Abilities and see what else is going on in their area on a particular day.  They can then plan accordingly.  This has been one byproduct but success of the site.

RAM- On the other side what have been the challenges?


JV- In the same sense that adaptive sports programs are starting to get on board they have been reluctant to share their event calendars.  For whatever reason when there are several programs in a geographic area programs are hesitant to share this info.  I see it as a benefit to them to get the word out in every way possible.  They are starting to come around but it is still a struggle.

RAM-  What is your process for finding organizations to list?


JV- I spend a lot of time on the Internet searching and reading online newsletters.  Although there are lots of organizations with incomplete websites and event calendars. In the beginning it was a goal to get to 100 organizations.  Then once I hit that I wanted to get all 50 states covered.  We now have over 500 organizations listed.  And programs are starting to contact me to get listed.

RAM- What would you like others to know about Sports Abilities?


JV- That healthier = happier.  I know personally getting involved in sport and recreation after my injury was a turning point for me and I began to become much more productive in my life.  That is my goal for Sports Abilities not to get rich but to give back to organizations which are all in it for the same goal.  To get everyone regardless of ability active.

RAM- What does the future of Sports Abilities look like?


JV- I have a number of ideas which I am working on.  We are going to add a social networking piece to the site which will allow individuals to create profiles and network.  This should be launched soon.  I would one day like to see others get involved in maintaining their states profile page.  Updating state events, organizations and possibly reporting on events.  We are also going to be adding a nonprofit side to the company to accept donations.  These donation would go directly back to the organizations which are listed on the site.  Right now Sports Abilities is really starting to move along and I am pleased with the results.  Hopefully we can  get more individuals with disabilities active.

RAM- John thank you so much for your time with this interview.  I hope that it is helpful information for everyone interested in learning more about Sports Abilities.  All the best with your efforts.

JV-  Thanks for helping to spread the word.  


To learning more about Sports Abilities and get your event or organization listed on the site please click here.

Knowledge is Empowerment.


-RAM

What's in a name?

Some of the terms for sport for an individual with a disability:

• Adaptive Sport (US)
• Adapted Sport (International) 
• Handicapped Sport (Out dated)
• Disability Sport (UK and others)
• Deportes Para Personas Con Discapacitados (Spanish speaking world)
• Disabled Sport (another way)
• Sport for Individuals with Disabilities (a mouthful)
• Sport (The way it all should be stated)

What's in a name?  Some would say a lot.  Others just desire to get the world to acknowledge that sport is sport regardless of your ability level. That everyone at one time will experience disability then the name really won't matter it will be called... well, sport.

Through my experiences with adaptive sport (this is the term that I have grown up with so it kind of stuck) I have heard numerous descriptive terms for adaptive sport, some are list above.  When I tell people that I teach such things as adaptive skiing the next question out of their mouth without fail is "What's adaptive skiing?"  Then I am happy to put on my educator hat and inform them that I teach individuals with disabilities.  That we focus on abilities and that the adaptations make up for slight or severe deficiencies.  I then remind my audience that these individuals can be from all walks of life, experience both physical or intellectual disabilities and enjoy recreational activities or chase competition.  I then ask my audience to tell me what they do for fun, sport or recreation.  Some offer enthusiastic responses and other are stumped.

The name which we call sport obviously differs around the world.  Several adaptive sports and many adaptive athletes are coming more and more into the main stream, and this is great.  Yes many people still confuses the Special Olympics (for individuals with intellectual disabilities)  and Paralympics (for individuals with physical disabilities) but this will change with time and some effort .  For now we can consider what we call sport and what's in a name.

-RAM

Adaptive Road Cycling

Many people learn to ride a bike at a very young age and participate either recreationally or competitively.  Bicycles can be found in every country of the world and in many countries bicycles are a primary means of transportation.  For individuals with disabilities adaptive road cycling is a popular activity and is a great way to be social, get the blood pumping and feel the wind through your helmet.

Click here to see a video about the history and types of Para-Cycling

Youth Handcycle

Everyone should experience the thrill of riding a bike fast on the road.  Road cycling is a great activity to stay in shape as it is a great cardio vascular work out.  It can also be just the pace for a leisurely ride through the country side.  With the number of bicycle enthusiasts growing annually it is a great social activity that individuals, couples or the whole family can enjoy.  For individuals with disabilities adaptive road cycling is a very sought after pastime with many benefits.  Specialized road cycles have been designed and adaptations have been made to bicycles to accommodate every ability level. 

For information about adaptive cycling click on the links below:

·         Union Cycliste Internationale:  International Federation over seeing Para-Cycling for individuals with physical disabilities.  Great intro VIDEO about adaptive cycling on this link.

·         USA Cycling:  US governing body for adaptive road and mountain bike racing. 

·         US Paralympics: Cycling info for individuals with physical disabilities.  Includes information about the US Paralympic Team.

·         Special Olympics Cycling:  Cycling info guide for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

There are adaptive cycling programs around the United States  which will be happy to offer anyone an introductory lesson.   Click here to visit the Disabled Sports USA cycling resource page including equipment and programs.

Adaptive bicycles come in many shapes and sizes. Styles include:

Handcycles for individuals with lower extremity impairments

Tandems Bicycles for individuals with visual impairments, assistance with balance, or cognitive disabilities

Recumbent (laying down) Bicycles: for individuals with balance issues, amputations or strokes.

Tricycles: for individuals with balance issues or cognitive disabilities.

These are just a few examples of adaptive bicycles.  Several other bike styles can be seen by clicking here to be taken to Bike-On an adaptive bicycle retailer. 

Adaptive Road Cycling is a great opportunity to be active and attain a level of fitness or competition with in one’s ability level.   It is a great tool for rehabilitation and there are numerous city bike lanes and bike paths in the United States to safely ride on.  Grab your helmet and smile and get on an adaptive road bicycle today. 

Click here to see a video of mother and daughter on an adaptive bicycle

Click here to see a video of a handcycle competition

-RAM

Paralympic Sports Clubs…grassroots at its best

A few years ago US Paralympics created the Paralympic Sports Club designation for adaptive sports programs.  I envision a group at the top scratching their heads saying why don’t we have more individuals with disabilities on the podium at major events.  US Paralympics realized that to do this they would have to nurture athletes from the grassroots level.  They did a 180 and started to focus on the programs that were introducing athletes and individuals to adaptive sports.  The Paralympic Sports Club (PSC) was born. 

Stated on the US Paralympic website:

Paralympic Sport Clubs are community-based programs developed to involve youth and adults with physical and visual disabilities in sports and physical activity, regardless of skill level.  All programs and activities will be based in the community and are run by the local organization. 

Currently there are over 100 PSC around the US and Europe (three in Germany on US Military bases).  US Paralympics goal is to have around 230 by 2015.  Click here for more information on how your organization and become a PSC. 

Today these sports clubs met for a day-long working session at the Paralympic Leadership Conference in Colorado Springs, CO.  The energy was high throughout the day and discussion topics ranged from funding opportunities and partnerships to use of the PSC Logo.  The highlight of the morning was to hear Melissa Stockwell (Iraq Veteran, above knee amputee, and paralympic athlete) speak about her story.

It is incredible to see US Paralympics taking such an active role in the success of small community based organizations.  Organizations which can take credit for empowering individuals with disabilities by giving them their first sports lesson and which will also swell with pride as their athletes might one day stand on a Paralympic Podium.  This model of PSC’s has already started to pay off big with a huge increase in participation in adaptive sports.  Although the biggest payoff is for individuals with disabilities who might have not know about what sport and recreation can do for them. 

Networking was the main focus of the afternoon breakout session.  PSC’s were broken up by region and encouraged, through some creative games, to network with other PSC’s and Veteran organizations.  Meeting people who might be your neighbor but you never knew them is great and there will be some great collaborations and partnerships which come out of this session.   

   

US Paralympics has really raised the bar again with this year’s PSC working sessions.  We left a long day feeling like someone was really thinking about the needs of our organizations.  Thanks.

Now it is off to hear Eric Weihenmayer speak about climbing the seven summits.    

-RAM

The Driving force behind "Adaptive Sport and Recreation" the blog

My name is Robert A. Mueller (RAM) and my story begins in the fall of 1995, my senior year of high school.  Just returning from a study abroad year in New Zealand, I had wanderlust on the brain.  I quit the varsity soccer team and the same day crashed my step mothers BMW.  Needless to say I needed some direction.

My second home that year was the Lane residence as I was great friends with the three Lane girls.  Their mother, Mary Lane, was the program coordinator at the White Mountain Adaptive Ski School (WMASS) at Loon Mountain.  Having spent numerous hours at their house Mary was well of aware of the path that I could have been heading down.  She said that I could come crash with her family at Loon if I volunteered to teach adaptive skiing with the program.  It was a no brainer as I LOVED to ski and I could figure out the adaptive instruction part.  Needless to say I blame Mary Lane for my current life's path. 

I remember the day in December 1995 that I put on my all yellow North Face one piece suit and hit the slopes for program tryouts.  I was a young hotshot and felt I could ski anything on the mountain on my 210 Salomons. I passed the test but what I was told was that I need to relearn the Wedge turn and that I had to get rid of the god awful yellow one piece (which I still have and wore the other day).  For volunteering I got a seasons pass at Loon Mountain.  This was my first season pass and this was exactly what I came for "free skiing".  I couldn't have  realized at the time the effect that that day would have on my life. 

15 years later I am currently employed as the Managing Director of New England Disabled Sports (formally the White Mountain Adaptive Snowsports School).  I have had the pleasure to be involved with adaptive sports all over the world from the United States and Europe to South America.  I became a career adaptive sport and recreation educator and everywhere that I went I volunteered to teach individuals with disabilities how to play and have fun.  It is not only my career but my passion. 

This passion is the driving force behind the creation of this blog "Adaptive Sport and Recreation".  The goal is to provide education regarding all aspects of adaptive sport and recreation.  Through education I hope to level the field of play for all abilities.

Enjoy!

-RAM