In Collaroy, adaptive sports programs are more than just recreational activities; they’re pathways to empowerment and inclusion. These programs provide individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and other disabilities the opportunity to engage in sports, fostering physical activity, social connection, and personal growth.
Discover how these adaptive sports initiatives are making a difference in the lives of participants and their communities. From the Wheelchair Accessibility Project (WAP) facilitating proper wheelchair provision to the Adaptive Tennis Program offering inclusive opportunities for players with mobility challenges, Collaroy is at the forefront of promoting accessibility and empowerment through sports.
Wheelchair Accessibility Project (WAP)
The ACCESS project is helping to address the issue of development organisations too often distributing wheelchairs without proper assessment, fitting, or follow-up according to WHO guidelines. The project is also fostering an enabling environment toward effective wheelchair service management through stakeholder engagement and mobilisation as well as local and national-level advocacy efforts.
Within the context of the ACCESS project, World Vision partners identify potential wheelchair clients through a referral screening and interview. These assessments are then entered into the ACCESS client database. Upon referral, the ACCESS service provider conducts a clinical assessment and provides a wheelchair, followed by a fit-up and user training. World Vision staff then follows up with each client, incorporating them into community life, and assessing their barriers to social inclusion.
The ACCESS project is building the capacity of local partners to undertake hands-on wheelchair provision through training, equipment and supplies, and mentoring. The project has also conducted a service assessment to establish a baseline quality of wheelchair services. This information will be used to develop the work plans for each of the ten project countries.
Wheelchair Sports Program
Sports programs are not only fun and exciting but they also have a number of benefits for people with disabilities. These include improved mental health and physical fitness, increased self-esteem, and the development of lifelong healthy habits. These positive effects can translate to other aspects of life, such as work and family. Adaptive sports programs are also used to help service members overcome traumatic injuries or illnesses and to inspire them to believe in their abilities. Prince Harry’s Invictus Games for wounded, ill, and injured military members is a great example of the impact that adaptive sports can have on recovery.
Researchers have also found that the practice of adaptive sports improves the quality of life of adults with a disability. They have also found that this improvement is greater the longer the sports activity lasts. However, it is important to note that before you participate in any adapted sport, you should consult with your physician to be sure that it’s safe for you.
There are many adaptive sports programs that offer a variety of recreational opportunities and competitions. Some of them even provide funding to help participants pay for expenses. There are also a number of national and international adaptive sports organisations that promote, support and develop wheelchair sports. Their goal is to improve the lives of those with disabilities by providing opportunities for them to play competitive sports.
Adaptive Tennis Program
Tennis is one of the best lifetime sports for overall health, and recent research backs this up. The sport also helps people with spinal cord injuries as well as those with physical or cognitive disabilities.
Adaptive standing tennis is the latest incarnation of the game, a modification to help individuals with mobility challenges play and compete on equal terms with their able-bodied counterparts. This category of the game was only officially recognised by governing bodies in 2023 and includes people with amputations, congenital limb malformation, or shortened arms.
It is a great alternative to wheelchair tennis and offers the same fundamentals of the game as stand-up players. Using shorter courts, slower balls, and two bounces, allows people who have a limb loss or lower-body injury to be involved in the game without needing to use a wheelchair.
Adaptive sports coaches are highly creative and thoughtful in their approach to teaching this new category of tennis. They work in a collaborative mentorship model and take into consideration each person’s range of motion, balance control, cognitive function, and physiology when coaching them.
Adaptive Cycling Program at Collaroy
The Adaptive Cycling Program stands out as a beacon of inclusivity and empowerment. This program offers individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and other disabilities the chance to engage in cycling activities tailored to their needs.
Cycling, long celebrated for its cardiovascular benefits and sense of freedom, becomes accessible to a wider range of participants through adaptive cycling. At Royal Rehab LifeWorks at Sargood, participants receive personalised support and adaptive equipment, allowing them to experience the joy of cycling in a safe and supportive environment.
Beyond the physical benefits, the Adaptive Cycling Program and other adaptive sports programs Collaroy foster social connections and personal growth. Participants have the opportunity to engage with peers, share experiences, and build a sense of community. Moreover, the program encourages participants to push boundaries and challenge preconceived limitations, empowering them to embrace new possibilities and pursue active lifestyles.
The adaptive sports programs in Collaroy are not just about recreation; they’re about empowerment and inclusion. Through initiatives like the Wheelchair Accessibility Project (WAP), individuals with disabilities are provided proper assessment, fitting, and follow-up for wheelchairs, fostering an enabling environment for effective wheelchair service management. This project not only addresses physical needs but also integrates clients into community life, assessing barriers to social inclusion.
Moreover, the Wheelchair Sports Program and the Adaptive Tennis Program offer inclusive opportunities for individuals with mobility challenges, promoting mental health, physical fitness, and self-esteem. These programs have been shown to improve the quality of life for adults with disabilities, with benefits increasing over time.
The recent introduction of adaptive standing tennis provides another avenue for individuals with mobility challenges to engage in the sport, offering equal terms of competition with able-bodied players. Similarly, the Adaptive Cycling Program at Collaroy opens up cycling activities tailored to the needs of individuals with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities, fostering social connections, personal growth, and a sense of community.
Overall, these adaptive sports programs are not just about physical activity; they’re about breaking down barriers, challenging limitations, and empowering individuals to embrace new possibilities and pursue active lifestyles. Through collaboration, innovation, and support, Collaroy is leading the way in promoting accessibility and empowerment through sports.