Adaptive Sports and Recreation Breakdown Oct 31, 2012

The "Breakdown" features the best of the web from the recent past on adaptive sports competitions, disability sport, videos, news, information and more.

For submissions of video, sports reporting, articles, pictures and all things news worthy please send submissions for consideration to adaptivesportandrecreation@gmail.com

Video of the week:

Unstoppables

Get up, get out, get active.  

International:

Egyptian Paralympic Team is Looking for Recognition

After medaling at the London 2012 Paralympics the Egyptian National Paralympic Team is trying to gain recognition in their home country.

Gambian Paralympians: Where are They Now?

The Gambian Paralympic Team has a long history of competition but their numbers are down in  recent years.  

British Forces News

The British Forces keeps a website which has loads of great information on sport and recreation including adaptive activities.  

Competition:

Ten Things you Didn't know about the Paralympics

The US Government site Let's Move has released this list to educate you about the Paralympics.

Five a Side Visually Impaired Shootout

US National Disabled Sailing Championship

Last week in San Diego the best adaptive sailors from the US competed for the crown .  Check out the results here.

Bonner Paddock Sets World Record at Ironman World Championship

Dancing across the finish line following a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run Bonner Paddock has focused the world on his abilities with Cerebral Palsy.

Eye Candy

Adaptive Action Sports Mid Year Review

Live London Dream Rio

A Paralyzed Guy, Blind Guy and an Amputee go Climbing

Humans

Throwing first pitch in all US Baseball Parks with no Arms

Ellie Simmonds Paralympic Superstar

British Paralympic Swimming Star Ellie Simmonds speaking about her life in Fabulous Magazine.

Chris Waddel "Names Tags"

A sailor, a tragic disease - and a courageous story

Mary Kate Scandone tells her husband's incredible story as a Paralympic sailor in a new book, "Nick of Time: The Nick Scandone Story."

Education

Australian Paralympic Education Program

If you live in Australia or anywhere for that matter you can learn about Paralympic Sport and more by visiting this website.  

Where to find the Nations best Outdoor Adaptive Programs

An independent survey of some of the best outdoor adaptive sports programs in the US.  

How to run Marathons Blind

If you have a visual impairment or what to learn how to become a guide click here.  "Eddie Montanez lost his vision as a teenager. But if it weren't for the guide runner at his side, you wouldn't know it from jogging with him."

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The Adaptive Sport "Breakdown" is meant to be shared. Please take a moment and post in social media. As well please leave a comment below on how we can make this update better in the future.


Thanks for tuning in.


Knowledge is Empowerment!

-RAM

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

Adaptive Resource Guides: Part 3, Special Olympics

This is part three in a four part series about resource guides for United States based Adaptive Sport and Recreation events and programming.  This information should benefit a participant, a parent, volunteer or anyone looking for information about what is going on in adaptive sport and recreation around the US and internationally.  Showcasing four resource guides over the next four blog posts part 3 is about Special Olympics. 

Special Olympics is:

• Founded in 1968
• Motto "Let me win; but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
• Open to individuals with intellectual disabilities 
• Providing year round training and competition world wide
• Offering opportunities
• to develop physical fitness
• demonstrate courage
• experience joy
• create community

Special Olympics operates in over 170 countries world wide.  There are regional opportunities to get involved and also international games and competitions held annually.

• Special Olympics offices are located in many countries.  Click here to find out if your state or country participates and go out and get active.

Special Olympics has been a leader in adaptive sport and recreation for individual with intellectual disabilities for over 40 years.  Stay tuned for part 4 of this series about Sports Abilities.

Knowledge is Empowerment.

-RAM 

An Ideal Program Mono Sit Ski

There are a couple schools of thought when it comes to what is an ideal sit ski (mono ski) used to teach an individual with a disability how to ski.  What follows are photos explaining things to look for to make the experience safe, fun and educational for all involved.  This includes a video at the end explaining this point.

Basically one should look for a mono ski that is easy to adjust for each individual, easy to maintain, easy to learn how to ski, affordable, safe and fun to ski.

We have chosen to use as an example the Yetti mono ski from Radventures Inc.  http://www.radventures-yetti.com  They have been producing their sit ski without many changes for years and it is being used by several adaptive sport and recreation programs.  This is only one example as there are several great program mono skis out there.

Mono skiing is a great way to get active during the winter months.  Feel free to comment on what you know makes are great program mono ski.

"Knowledge is Empowerment"

-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

Traveling to Mount Olympus (AKA The Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs)

Each Spring US Paralympics hosts the Paralympic Leadership Conference at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs Colorado.  The 2011 event is April 28 till May 2^nd.   This event is one of a kind and is truly “Amazing” as it has been called in the past.  Anyone who is involved with adaptive sports for individuals with disabilities should make the time to attend this event or to learn more.  Anyone who isn’t able to attend this year’s event (it is sold out) should follow this blog or click here for a live video feed of the conference.

My experience at the 2010 event left a lasting impression on me and fired up for more.  Some of the highlights included:

·         Coach Krzyzewski (Coach K) of Duke University and the US Olympic Men’s Basketball team speak about going for the gold.

·         General Cheek Commander of the Army’s Warrior Transition Unit speak about sport as a rehab tool.

·         All the networking opportunities (I had stacks of business cards to go through when I got home).

The 2011 Paralympic Leadership Conference starts today and promises to deliver even bigger this year.  Special guest speakers include:

·          Erik Weihenmayer,first visually impaired person to climb the seven summits.

·         Shellie Y. Pfohl, Executive Director of Council on Fitness to President Obama.

·         Rye Barcott co-founder of Carolina for Kibera and author of “It happened on the way to war”.

·         Peter Shankman, founder, The Geek Factory, Inc and Shankman.com  .

There will also be several awards given out, many interesting breakout sessions and numerous Paralympic Athletes (who have won lots of medals) at this event.

US Paralympics put this event on with the goal of growing the Paralympic movement in the United States.  Bringing the grassroots organizations together for a weekend of discussions and speakers is a powerful tool which US Paralmypics has grasp well.  There will be over 400 community and military leaders here this weekend with the focus of taking sport to the next level.  The energy is contagious and everyone who attends leaves with new vision and purpose.

Stay tuned here for more from the conference. 

-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