Adaptive Sports and Recreation Breakdown: Late August 2012

The "Breakdown" features the best of the web from the recent past on adaptive sports competitions, Paralympic information, 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 day!

Sport does not care who you are...everyone can take part!

International:

Power Lifter Training for Gold

Vietnamese power lifter has his sites set on a London 2012 medal.  Learn about the long road to being a professional athlete.

China Opens New Sports Training Center

The legacy of the Beijing Paralympic Games was an increased awareness of adaptive sports throughout China.  In order to improve performance of Chinese athletes the new China Disabilities Training Center  recently opened.    

Indonesian has not medaled in the Paralympics in 10 years

Table Tennis is the sport which could bring the Indonesian Paralympic Team their first medal in ten years.  The athletes have their sites set on the final and will be training hard to get to this spot.  

Adventure travel in Austria

The Austrian company Freizeit-PSO is offering adventure travel trips around Austria. Individuals with both physical and intellectual disabilities can sight up to experience hiking, climbing, diving and rafting.  

Well said... thanks for producing this Team Canada!

Adaptive Sport in Ghana

The National Paralympic Committee of Ghana is working hard to increase awareness and opportunities for persons with disabilities to experience sport.  They are working to produce future Paralympians.  

UN and Sport for Development and Peace

The United Nations has stated that the Olympic and Paralympic Games are an incredible tool to teach peace, development and humanitarian values.  This is a major part of the UN Millennium Development Goals.

Paralympic

David Beckham featured in London 2012 Paralympic TV Ad (includes video)

The British company Sainsbury has created a TV ad for the Paralympic Games featuring David Beckham.  High profile support has created a record amount of attention towards the games.

Paralympic Games not on Prime Time in the USA

Causing a serious uproar there will be very minimal prime time coverage of the Paralympic Games in the United States.  Petitions are being signed and social media campaigns are being launched but this still might not do the trick.  Luck for everyone that the International Paralympic Committee is bringing it live via the internet.  

Five Paralympic All Time Greats

There are athlete who come and are gone.  Then there are these five who have left a legacy to be remembered.  

Germany TV Ad for the Paralympics

Merging the Olympics and the Paralympics

There is an ongoing debate about merging the Olympics and Paralympics.  The Slate gave their opinion  as well as The Current. 

Paralympians competitive advantage (includes video)

Boosting is the term used to describe a unique form of "doping".  Athletes with disabilities will harm themselves in order to produce an adrenaline rush.  Athough rare it is still a problem and needs to be carefully monitored.  

Paralympic athletes with intellectual disabilities

After being banned from competition following the Sydney Paralympic Games athletes with intellectual disabilities are being allowed back into competition.  Although their total numbers are only around 120 they will be closely watched to ensure their is no more cheating.  Here are two reports from the International Paralympic Committee and the other from the Independent Newspaper.  

Eye Candy

Ami Mullen on Labels

Ami Mullen shares her thoughts on labels

Mandeville the Mascot

Paralympic mascot Mandeville tries a number of Paralympic Sports

Kurt Yaegar on his BMX bike

Kurt Yaegar is an actor and pro-bmx racer 

who can land back flips on his bike.  

He also happens to be an amputee

                                                   Wheelchair Rugby

Wheelchair Rugby is a very high action and impact sport.  Check out this video to get everyone excited to watch it at the London 2012 Paralympics.  

Tennis with an Amputation

Athlete with one arm showing his

skills on the tennis court  

                                                   Adaptive Surfing 

Surfing is an amazing way to get outside and get active.  This guy shares his story and some eye popping footage of him on a wave.  

Humans

Paralympian Paul Callahan is hooked on sailing

Paul Callahan is going to represent Team USA in the Sonar sailing class.  He also heads up a non profit  called Sail to Prevail which gets everyone out on the water.



Huge Herr predicts whats next

MIT professor Huge Herr who lost his legs in a climbing accident shares what he feels is going to be the next step in adaptive technology. "He uses words like “sexy”, “cool” and “powerful” to describe his disability."

An example of a powerful new prosthetic.  

Katie Holloway found sitting volleyball and so much more (includes video)

Being the captain of Team USA women's sitting volleyball team comes with some pressures.  Katie Holloway is up to them including leading the team to the final match in London.

Veterans Use Sport as a rehab tool (includes video)

Sport as a rehab tool seems like a great idea.  It is fun, social, and you can get some fitness.  These United States Veterans use sport as a way to get back into life.  Chris Noack, head of the VA Sports Rehab program, shares his thoughts on why this is an important part of getting back to normal.  

Soccer goalie returns to the field after amputation (includes video)

Brevard College soccer goalie has returned to the field after loosing her leg above the knee in an accident.  Her competitive spirit wouldn't let her sit on the sideline.  

Education

                                                 What is Goalball?

Goalball is a sport which was created specifically for individuals with visual impairments and is high action.

Paralympic Sports Explained

Every wondering what are the actually sports in the Paralympics?  Read on and learn.  

Paralympic Logo Historical Timeline

The logo for the Paralympic games has evolved over the years just as the game have.  Here are a few of the past logos.

                                               Wheelchair Lacrosse  

  
A relative new comer onto the scene for adaptive sports wheelchair lacrosse is gaining momentum



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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 2, US Paralympic Sport Club Locator

This is part two 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.  Showcasing four resource guides over the next four blog posts part 2 is about the US Paralmypic Sport Club Locator.

United States Paralympics is:

• Formed in 2001
• Is a division of the United States Olympic Committee
• Dedicated to becoming a world leader in the Paralympic sport movement
• Dedicated to promoting excellence in the lives of individuals with physical disabilities. 
• Areas of focus are
• Community Programs
• USOC Paralympic Military Program
• Elite Athlete and Team Support
• Community Education

Paralympic Sport Clubs are community based programs located around the United States and some in Europe.  

• US Paralympics "Find a Club" Website is a resource guide to programs and information about Paralympic Sport.  Click here to view this website.   

US Paralmypics is doing a fantastic job with connecting athletes with their Sport Club network and getting them involved in sport and competition.  Stay tuned for part three of this series about the Special Olympics Network.  

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

Periodicals: Part II

The first round of adaptive sport and recreation periodicals were full of great ideas about how to get active.  After publishing our previous blog post about adaptive sport and recreation periodicals was found two more great ones to promote.  Check them out as they are great. Happy Reading!

Paralympian

Magazine Website: http://www.paralympic.org/Media_Centre/News/Paralympian/


International Paralympic Committee website:  www.paralmypic.org 


Mission: The Paralympian' is the official magazine of the International Paralympic Committee. It aims to reflect the entire range of activities and developments in Paralympic Sport.


Focus of Publication:

• International Paralympic Sport
• International Adaptive Sport Competition
• Personal Interest Stories

Publish rate: 3 times a year


Social Media sites are not available for this publication but they are for the International Paralympic Committee.


Subscription Information:

• Free online , it can be emailed following each publication or read on the IPC website
• Free direct mailing
• To sign up for the Paralympian or any other IPC publication please use this link http://www.paralympic.org/Media_Centre/Subscription/

Abilities Magazine

Abilities Magazine is
 "Canada's Lifestyle Magazine for Individuals with Disabilities"

Website: http://www.abilities.ca/

Mission: The Canadian Abilities Foundation convenes a forum for the exchange of information to promote an inclusive society and provide inspiration and opportunity for people with disabilities

The Canadian Abilities Foundation (CAF) was founded in 1986 and has been a national leader and partner with other organizations and governments on various projects related to disability and communications. TheCAF  has never had the benefit of core funding.  It has survived through project funding, subscriptions, advertising and product sales.  CAF is a model in social enterprise, and serves as a living example to organizations and coalitions directing their energies towards self-sufficiency and pursuit of the public good.

Focus of Publication:

• Promotes the Canadian Abilities Foundation
• Focused on recreation, activities, and lifestyle
• Arts, travel, health, activity, family life, technology, learning, work, money, social policy

Social media sites are available for this publication

Publish rate: 4 times a year

Subscription Information:

• $16.00 per year
• The magazine is able to be read online for free
• Digital subscriptions are available
• International Shipping is available

Hope that you find the information that you are looking for from this updated list.  Please let us know if there are other publications that we have missed and we will gladly add them to the list.  Happy reading!


-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

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