Live Confidently: How Adaptive Sports Empowers People with Disabilities.

This article was written by Harsh Thakkar, Community Outreach Manager, MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital. 

When I was 20, I sustained a spinal cord injury. At the time, it felt like my plans were ruined: College sports were off the table. When you find yourself using a wheelchair, it can be life altering. 

In fact, studies report that 50% of people living with spinal cord injuries aren’t physically active, and many disabled individuals don’t often participate in extracurricular opportunities. 

It can be difficult to know how to handle the new normals of life with a significant physical disability. Feelings of “now I can’t do that” can sometimes block your ability to imagine having a fulfilling life: driving, going to college, having children, or embarking on a successful career. 

For example, I played basketball in high school and was hoping to join the team at University of Maryland Baltimore County in college. But after my injury, I couldn’t see myself playing sports from a wheelchair. I wasn’t sure what my future looked like anymore. 

When I was introduced to wheelchair basketball, I began to understand that my potential was still there, waiting to be fulfilled. I met inspirational people on the court—people who owned their own businesses, drove cars, and had families, all with disabilities that didn’t hold them back from extraordinary life experiences. It was the first time I met people who used wheelchairs, like me, who were accomplishing things I thought were impossible. 

I realized that I absolutely could, and would, continue to play team sports.

Studies show that people who participate in adaptive sports have better employability, find more joy in socialization, and have a renewed outlook on life. I can personally attest to that. 

Because of the impact adaptive sports had on reshaping my perspective, and the motivational people I met through those activities, I now serve as the Community Outreach Manager for adaptive sports programs at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital. We’re the region’s largest acute rehabilitation hospital at the forefront of disability advocacy and care.

If you or a loved one are on the fence about getting involved in adaptive sports or fitness, I recommend you start by watching a practice. Observe how players use the equipment. Watch how they transfer. Meet the athletes. Learn about their independent lives, careers, and families. Ask questions. Soak up all the inspiration that comes from being part of a caring community and then decide if participation is right for you. 

What is an adaptive sports and fitness program?

The goal of adaptive sports and fitness goes deeper than simply playing games or taking a class. It’s an empowering opportunity for someone with a physical disability to engage, or re-engage, in an active lifestyle. 

Our recreational and competitive adaptive sports and fitness programs are open to anyone with a physical disability, though some have individual eligibility requirements. These include:

• Adaptive cycling

• Adaptive rowing

• Boccia ball

• “No Limits” fitness classes

• Wheelchair basketball

• Wheelchair tennis

• Wheelchair rugby

• Youth sled hockey

We provide program-specific adaptive sporting equipment that’s meant for the participants’ needs. Later, we can help identify grants and other financial assistance programs so they can get their own customized gear. Our coaching staff, personal trainers, and highly qualified volunteers work side-by-side with athletes to empower their goals. 

Not everyone loves sports, and that’s okay. Our fitness program creates an outlet to get active in the gym with one-on-one guidance from a specialized personal trainer or through group classes supported by physical therapists.

One of my favorite aspects of all MedStar NRH adaptive sports and fitness programs: Participation made possible entirely through generous donor support and fundraising events like our Super H™ 5K Run, Walk, and Wheel.

Adaptive sports and fitness can unlock more enjoyment in life.

Feeling hesitant to play sports or engage in physical activities is normal, especially when you’re grappling with a new diagnosis or injury. Navigating physical limitations can be scary. But overcoming these what-if scenarios to build social connection and invest in your personal fulfillment supports better physical and mental health. 

There’s plenty of inspiration within our adaptive sports teams. For example:

• The MedStar NRH Punishers Wheelchair Basketball team is ranked third in the nation in Division 1, the highest level of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. Trevon Jenifer, a three-time Paralympic gold medalist for Team U.S.A., takes the court with us and mentors other players.

• Our competitive wheelchair rugby team features athletes with quadriplegia or amputations. The team competes in tournaments as part of the United States Wheelchair Rugby Association while friends, spouses, and families cheer them on. Not only does this incredible sport give athletes a chance to enjoy independence and build new friendships, but family caregivers can talk with and uplift each other in this safe, rallying space.