University of Michigan- Adaptive Fitness and Sports
Beth Kovarik
This grant is to pay for the University of Michigan adapted sports program to do a "Lifetime Fitness Takeover" for 2 days in the spring. They will bring equipment and resources to demonstrate how ALL students can participate in sports, with adaptations and modifications. This will be a hands on experience for students and will take place during each gym/lifetime fitness class.
Adaptive sports (also known as para sports) and fitness are competitive or recreational sports for people with and without disabilities. Adaptive sports use modifications of rules or equipment that allow for equitable participation in sport by people with disabilities. Some adaptive sports are variations of existing able-bodied sports that run parallel to those sport activities (e.g. wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis). Some adaptive sports have been specifically designed for persons with a disability and do not have an able-bodied equivalent activity (e.g. goalball).
The aim of the University of Michigan Adaptive Sports & Fitness program is to increase awareness about, knowledge of, access to, and participation in adaptive sports and fitness among people with and without disabilities.
This program brings awareness to our Dexter Unified program, the athletes and peers that support the teams. This also brings awareness to the unique needs of some of our students. Understanding these needs creates community and collaboration for students in sports and recreational activities- even recess.
Program website: https://ssd.umich.edu/adaptive-sports