SPRING 2017
A PUBLICATION OF DISABLED SPORTS USA
VOLUME 22 | NUMBER 1
HOOKED BY FISHING Page 10 TENNIS: A SPORT FOR EVERYONE Page 20
“IMPOSSIBLE IS AN
OPINION, NOT A FACT.”
Surfing, skateboarding, hanging with
friends. Cameron Clapp epitomized
“California teen” until one night when,
in an instant, his life changed. At 15,
Cameron was struck by a train. He lost
both legs and his right arm.
Encouraged and cared for by staff at
various Hanger Clinic locations
nationwide, Cameron not only learned
to walk again, he now surfs, runs
competitively, swims and inspires others
through peer-to-peer mentoring and
motivational public speaking.
With more than 700 clinics throughout the
U.S., Hanger Clinic delivers orthotic and
prosthetic solutions to help over 1,000,000
patients annually, like Cameron, turn their
hopes and dreams into reality, break down
barriers and move their lives forward.
Open your world of possibilities.
Come see us! Call 1-877-4HANGER
or visit HangerClinic.com to find a
Hanger Clinic location near you.
© 2016 Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc.
1-877-4HANGER | HangerClinic.com
Facebook.com/HangerNews
Twitter.com/HangerNews
YouTube.com/HangerNews
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5
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
Contents
20
30
© 2017 by Disabled Sports
USA, Inc. All rights
reserved. Articles may
not be reprinted in part or
in whole without written
permission from DSUSA.
PERSPECTIVE
Kirk Bauer, JD,
Executive Director
HOOKED BY FISHING
REGIONAL SPORTS COMPETITIONS
THE VISION OF PARALYMPIAN
LEX GILLETTE
Long Jumper Aims for His Fifth
Paralympics
E-TEAM INDUCTS 50 YOUTH
ATHLETES
WARFIGHTERS GIVING BACK
THROUGH TEAM RIVER RUNNER
WARFIGHTER SPORTS SUMMER
CALENDAR
TENNIS SERVES TEEN WELL
Casey Ratzlaff Sets His Sights on
2020 Paralympics
TENNIS; A SPORT FOR EVERYONE
What You Need to Know About
Tennis
CHAPTER LISTING
Find Your Local Chapter
CHAPTER EVENTS
Upcoming Adaptive Sports
Opportunities
MARKETPLACE
Product Showcase
6
10
12
13
14
16
17
18
20
24
27
35
10
27
Photo Credit: Doug Buerlein, Courtesy of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
6
PERSPECTIVE
This year, Disabled Sports USA celebrates a very special anniversary. In January of 1967,
Disabled Sports USA formed, and over the past 50 years, what started as a fledgling, ragtag
handful of volunteers has become one of the nation’s leading adaptive sports organizations,
serving more than 60,000 youth and adults with disabilities each year.
I have been personally involved in Disabled Sports USA for 48 of those 50 years, first as an
early participant after I lost my leg in Vietnam, then as a volunteer, then a chapter director,
and for the past three decades as the Executive Director.
When I started in 1969, adaptive equipment was archaic and instructors were not certified.
Much progress has been made!
There are many things to celebrate about the five decades of growth in adaptive
sports. Advances in adaptive sports equipment and the professionalization of
adaptive instruction have allowed participants to learn the basics of adaptive sports
much more safely and quickly, and people with disabilities can participate in
more sports today than ever before. Today, Disabled Sports USA offers more
than 50 different adaptive sports; something for everyone.
Our successes during the past 50 years have only been possible
thanks to our chapter network, which is made up of the best adaptive
sports organizations in the country. More than 120 chapters and 20,000
volunteers are the heart and soul of Disabled Sports USA. As in every
issue of Challenge, you will find a directory of our chapters (page 24)
and adaptive sports events they are holding (page 27), including regional
competitions you might be interested in learning more about (page 12).
In this issue of Challenge, we highlight two very popular sports: tennis (pages
20-22) and fishing (pages 10-11). More than 50 million Americans fish or play
tennis in the U.S. Today, adaptations allow people of all abilities to enjoy both sports,
competitively and recreationally. In this magazine, we also share profiles of two terrific
adaptive athletes, three-time U.S. Paralympic medalist Lex Gillette (page 13), one of our
country’s best track and field athletes, and Casey Ratzlaff (page 18), a young tennis
player on DSUSA’s E-team who was a member of the winning U.S.
junior team at the World Team Cup in Tokyo last year.
Much has been accomplished since 1967 and the growth of
adaptive sports continues to accelerate. Can you imagine what the
next 50 years will bring? Whatever that future holds, you can count on Disabled Sports
USA to continue to help people discover the power of sports and live our motto: “If I
can do this, I can do anything!” Bring on tomorrow!
Kirk Bauer, JD
Executive Director, Disabled Sports USA
U.S. Army (Retired)
kbauer@dsusa.org
50 YEARS OF TRANSFORMING LIVES
THROUGH SPORTS
CHALLENGE Magazine (ISSN 1940-526X) is published three times a year by
Disabled Sports USA, Inc., 451 Hungerford Drive, Suite 608, Rockville, MD 20850
Editorial Director: Dave Simonson
Advertising inquiries: Ron Sonntag Public Relations, Patty Johnson, 800-969-0200 ext 103
patty@rspr.com
Disabled Sports USA Board: John Urias (President), Katrina Shaklee (Vice President),
Jack Daley, Bill Gates, Steve Goodwin, Lee Hicks, Bob Meserve, Will Reynolds, Todd Sajauskas,
Keri Serota, Mike Shea
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CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
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SPONSORS
Diamond
Platinum
Disabled Sports USA Thanks its Corporate
and Community Sponsors for Their Support!
ARIEL CORPORATION
WORLD STANDARD COMPRESSORS
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CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
SPONSORS
Gold
Silver
AECOM
AES Global Insurance
Alston & Bird LLP
Anthem Life
Aon Risk Solutions
Avaya
Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center
Breckenridge Ski and Sports
CACI
Capital Bank
Carlton Fields PC
Cooley LLP
D’Amato & Lynch, LLP
DAV Charitable Service Trust
EY
Franklin Templeton Investments
Freeport LNG Development L.P.
Fujitsu America
GE Energy Financial Services
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Goodwin Procter
Gordon & Rees LLP
Greenberg Traurig
J.F. Lehman & Company, Inc.
JLT Re (North America) Inc.
John's Day Bridge Society
Katten Muchin Roseman LLP
Kaufman Dolowich Voluck
KDV Law
KPMG
Lewis Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith, LLP
Marsh & McLennan Companies
Michael & Jane Joukowsky Fund
Million Dollar Round Table
Munich Re
Northrop Grumman
O’Melveny & Meyers LLP
PARTNERS+simons
RenaissanceRe
Robert Trent Jones Golf Club Foundation
Salesforce.com
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
Swiss Re America Holding Corporation
Team Semper Fi
TigerRisk
tKg Wholesale Brokerage
Trijicon
U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress
Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker
May & Stanley Smith
Charitable Trust
Dumbarton Strategies
Trophy Trust
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
10
Equipment
Adaptive fishing equipment makes
it possible for people of all abilities to
fish. Many equipment adaptations exist,
including:
Fishing rod mounts, harnesses
and holders: All types of rod holders
exist from ones that fasten to a boat or
wheelchair, strap to the user’s chest or
forearm, or which the user sits on. Each
is designed to hold the rod comfortably
for those who have limited or no use of
their hands.
Electric fishing reels: People with
limited or no hand function can cast
and reel catches in with the touch of
a button. These reels typically have
power units with batteries that last for
hours.
Knot tyers: For one-handed fishers,
knot tyers can thread hooks, tie knots,
and cut lines.
To see a variety of adaptive
fishing equipment, visit www.
disabledsportsusa.org/fishing.
Safety
If you are fishing from a boat,
always wear a life jacket. Most, if not
all, states require that boaters have
enough personal flotation devices
for all on board. Life jackets also
are recommended for wheelchair
users who are fishing from a dock or
shore, as brakes can let loose or you
unintentionally roll into the water.
Safety glasses will protect your eyes
from the elements and when casting.
Bring water to stay hydrated, insect
repellant, sunscreen, flashlight, and cell
phone. Let someone know where you
are going and when you will return.
Licenses
To protect fish populations and
support wildlife programs, all states
require licenses to fish, but many
states offer no-fee or limited fee fishing
licenses for people with disabilities and
disabled veterans. To find out what your
state offers, go to disabledsportsusa.
org/fishing for links to each state’s
fishing license information and
applications.
Special focus: Fly-Fishing
If enjoying the peace and serenity of
the outdoors is your goal but you are
after a bigger challenge, then try fly-
fishing. Fly fishing can be done from a
boat, by wading into the water or safely
from the dock.
With fly-fishing, artificial flies are
cast with a fly rod and fly line. It’s more
challenging than regular fishing, but
many fishers find it more rewarding.
Practice is necessary before a fisher
masters the art of fly-fishing, including
what type of fly to use, how and where
to place it in the water, and overhead
casting as the fishing line is specially
weighted, yet the fly itself is nearly
weightless.
While fly-fishing offers fun and
enjoyment to people of all abilities, for
injured combat veterans, fly-fishing
has proven to be especially beneficial.
“The sport of fly-fishing has many
positive physical, mental and emotional
therapeutic benefits. Enabling disabled
veterans to fly fish, tie flies and spend
time together learning how to do it
builds camaraderie. Over time they
become their own support group,”
said David Folkerts, Chief Operations
Officer of Project Healing Waters, a
national leader in providing fly-fishing
and associated activities specifically for
disabled veterans.
Folkerts is a medically retired U.S.
Army Captain who was injured by an
IED while serving in Iraq in 2005. “Fly-
fishing made a real big difference in
Each year, 50 million Americans, including 10 million youth, go fishing to experience the beauty of the great
outdoors, the serenity of being near the water and the thrill of the catch. Fishing offers a lot of flexibility too.
You can enjoy the peace of fishing alone or join friends and family for a fun and social time together. You can
go out for a few hours to catch dinner or spend an entire day or more relaxing and enjoying freedom away
from the stress of the daily grind. Whether you live near a river, lake or ocean, adaptive fishing has never
been more available, regardless of disability, thanks to adaptive fishing equipment, Disabled Sports USA
chapters, and organizations ready to teach you how.
Photo Credit: Matt
Romero, Courtesy of
Project Healing Waters
Fly Fishing
Photo Credit: Doug
Buerlein, Courtesy of
Project Healing Waters
Fly Fishing
11
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
my recovery and helped flip that switch
from thinking about negative things to
positive things. There is a lot of peace
and a lot of connecting with nature
involved with fishing.”
Adaptive Fishing Resources
More than 40 DSUSA chapters
across the country offer fishing to
adults and youth with disabilities. To
find your nearby chapter, go to www.
disabledsportsusa.org/location-map/
and type “fishing” in the search box.
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing
operates more than 200 programs
across the United States, providing
no-cost services to more than 7,500
wounded, ill, and injured veterans and
military service members each year:
www.projecthealingwaters.org.
Fishing Has No Boundaries provides
recreational fishing opportunities for
all anglers with disabilities regardless
of their age, race, gender, or disability:
www.fhnbinc.org.
Photo Credit: Ed Felker, Courtesy of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing
I am
Adventure
www.discovernac.org
®
I am
From whitewater rafting and rock
climbing to trail riding on horseback,
mountain biking and camps, adventure
calls at the National Ability Center.
Ask us about summer and
year-round employment!
435.649.3991
PARK CIT Y, SALT L AKE CIT Y, MOAB, UT AND BE YOND!
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
12
Whether you have Paralympic ambitions or would like to try competition for the first time, the regional
adaptive sports events below are for you. These competitions, supported by Disabled Sports USA and
hosted by DSUSA chapters, are great events to test your abilities, learn from other athletes who come
from around the country, and make friends. Many also allow the opportunity to get your Paralympic
classification.
April 21-23 – Turnstone Endeavor Games
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Host: Turnstone
The Turnstone Endeavor Games are in their first year in 2017 and will be the first event in the newly formed Endeavor Games Series.
Seven sports will be offered: air rifle, boccia, goalball, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, and wheelchair basketball. A table
tennis clinic will also be offered.
For more information, visit: http://www.endeavorgames.com/fort-wayne.
May 10-14 – Desert Challenge Games
Phoenix, Arizona
Host: Arizona Disabled Sports
The Desert Challenge Games are a multi-day competition for individuals ages 7 through adulthood with a physical, visual, or
intellectual disability. The event will be part of the World Para Athletics Grand Prix and is the only Athletics Grand Prix event taking
place in the U.S. this year. Events include track and field, swimming, archery, and air gun and rifle. There will be athletics International
Classification for physical, visual, and intellectual impairment as well as National Classification for athletics (track and field), archery,
and swimming.
For more information, visit: www.desertchallengegames.com.
May 20-21 – Gateway Games
St. Peters, Missouri
Host: Disabled Athlete Sports Association
This multi-sport event hosted by the Disabled Athlete Sports Association offers competition in archery, swimming, boccia, and
track and field to athletes with physical or visual disabilities from around the country.
For more information, visit: www.dasasports.org under Events.
June 8-11 – UCO Endeavor Games
Edmond, Oklahoma
Host: University of Central Oklahoma’s Center of Adaptive Sports
In its 18th year, the University of Central Oklahoma’s annual Endeavor Games is one of the largest competitions for individuals with
disabilities in the U.S., providing more than 300 youth, adults and military service members with physical disabilities opportunities
to compete in 10 sports, including archery, air rifle, cycling, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, swimming, table tennis, track and field,
wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair softball.
For more information, visit: www.endeavorgames.com/edmond.
June 9-11 – Adult National Open and Great Lakes Regional Games
Lake Forest, Illinois
Host: Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association
Each year Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association hosts the Adult National Open and Great Lakes Regional Games, a multi-day
sports competition for athletes with physical or visual disabilities. Events include: swimming, track and field, archery, powerlifting, air
rifle (held on May 19) and boccia. The event is comprised of two competitions: Great Lakes Regional Games – a regional qualifying
event for the USA Junior Nationals; and the Adult National Open for adults aged 23 and older, injured military veterans, and more
experienced/elite athletes. Clinics will include track and jumps for the ambulatory athlete, athlete sponsorship, and wheelchair and
ambulatory tennis.
For more information, visit: www.glasa.org/special-events/great-lakes-regional-games.
REGIONAL SPORTS
COMPETITIONS
13
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
ATHLETE PROFILE
THE VISION OF PARALYMPIAN LEX GILLETTE
Imagine running as fast as you can on a thin strip of asphalt aiming
for a sand pit. Right before the asphalt ends, but not a second before,
you have to use all of your momentum to jump forward as far as you
can, but you can’t jump too far to the left or right or you’ll land out of
bounds. Now imagine that you can’t see the sand, or the asphalt, or
even your guide who is giving you the commands to run and jump
from more than 100 feet away.
While this may sound intimidating for most people, long jumping
represents freedom for Elexis “Lex” Gillette. The 32-year-old
Paralympic Athlete is a decorated long jumper, triple jumper and,
sprinter, who happens to be totally blind. 
“When I was growing up, I was always looking for a challenge
and always looking for a way that I could push myself to the max,”
Lex said.
He found that challenge in long jumping. More than that, he
found freedom from a world without sight.
The freedom long jumping has given Lex has taken him around
the world as a competitor and a motivational speaker. He competed
for Team USA in Athens, Beijing, London, and Rio, bringing home
four consecutive silver medals in the men’s long jump T11 event.
He traveled to San Diego where he gave a Ted Talk about having
vision. He's visited the White House, where he says the First Family
welcomed him and his teammates like they were part of the family.
It's even taken him to the record books. 
In 2011, at the Desert Challenge Games in Mesa, Arizona, Lex
recorded a jump of 6.73 meters. He matched that length in 2015 at
the ParaPan American Games in Toronto, and he remains the only
completely blind man to jump over 22 feet.
“Those are the things that you train for,” Lex said. “You go out
there and compete at your best and push yourself as far as possible.”
In addition to freedom and medals, long jumping gave Lex a clear
vision that he didn't have as an 8-year-old boy who was starting to
lose his sight due to recurrent retina detachments.
“At that age I was more focused on not being able to ride my bike
anymore or not being able to play outside with friends or play video
games,” Lex said. “I never really saw myself as going out and being
an athlete and competing.”
Luckily, Lex was surrounded by a supportive group of family
and teachers who had visions of him succeeding in life, despite his
vision loss. He didn’t know it yet, but their support would help him
come up with his motto later in life: “No need for sight when you
have vision.”
For Lex that motto represents how he wants to live his life.
“It’s really about challenging people to see past their current
reality,” Lex said. “It wasn’t my sight that was the determining factor
in whether or not I would be successful. It was having a vision and
really going out there and putting in a lot of effort, a lot of energy,
and working really hard to bring that to fruition.”
So Lex put
in the effort.
He spends
more than 20
hours a week
training with
his coach,
Jeremy
Fischer, and guide, Wesley Williams, all for a competition that can
last for less than a minute.
Away from the track and field events, Lex is busy sharing his
vision with youth across the country as a mentor. Using the lessons
he has learned from his time in sports, he challenges students to set
goals and find their own vision for their lives.
“There are so many life skills you learn through sport,” he said.
“You learn perseverance, you learn how to set goals, you learn about
teamwork.”
This spring he’ll return to the Desert Challenge Games, an event
hosted by Arizona Disabled Sports, a chapter of Disabled Sports
USA, looking to beat his mark of 22 feet. Beyond that he has a vision
of himself standing on a podium in Tokyo representing Team USA
for the fifth time.
“I’m still on that same track trying to get further, so we’ll see what
happens. Maybe Desert [Challenge Games] will be kind to me again
this year,” he said. If you would like to learn more about the Desert
Challenge Games, see page 12 for more info.
"There are so many life skills
you learn through sport."
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
14
E-TEAM INDUCTS 50 YOUTH ATHLETES
Disabled Sports USA is celebrating 50 years by adding 50 NEW members to the E-Team in 2017! The youth selected represent the
future of adaptive sports. Representing more than 15 different Paralympic sports, Disabled Sports USA is happy to provide these
athletes with grants, training opportunities, and support as they aim for the pinnacle of their game.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2017 E-TEAM INDUCTEES!
JACKSON ATWOOD
TRACK & FIELD
STETSON BARDFIELD
SHOOTING
MARGARET BEAUDOIN
TRACK & FIELD
ROBBIE BERRY
TRACK & FIELD
GRACE BUNKE
SWIMMING
MIKAYLA CHANDLER
TRACK & FIELD
ELIZABETH CHANTRY
GOALBALL
TRENT CLAYTON
TRACK & FIELD
PHILLIP CROFT
TRACK & FIELD
PATRICK DECRESCENZO
SNOWBOARD
BRYNN DUNCAN
ALPINE SKIING
RUBY ELBERT
BASKETBALL
TAYLOR FARMER
SHOOTING
ABBY GASE
SWIMMING
LAUREN GATES
TRACK & FIELD
AIDAN GRAVELLE
BASKETBALL
DANIEL GREENLEAF
ALPINE SKIING
THEO HARDESTY
SLED HOCKEY
GARRISON HAYES
TRACK & FIELD
ISABELLE HICKS
SNOWBOARD
MILES HILL
BASKETBALL
BRYCE HOWELL
TRACK & FIELD
GRACIE HOYT
SHOOTING
MICHAEL HOYT
BASKETBALL
MAYA KAHN
SWIMMING
JAKOB KINGSBURY
SLED HOCKEY
ALEX KLEIN
TRACK & FIELD
LOGAN KNOWLES
ALPINE SKIING
ALLISON KUNKEL
ALPINE SKIING
AHALYA LETTENBERGER PARATRIATHLON
AMANDA MALAWSKI
TRACK & FIELD
DONOVAN MCBRIDE
TRACK & FIELD
CHRIS MCCOY
SLED HOCKEY
CHRIS MCCOY
TRACK & FIELD
SAMANTHA MCMINN
BASKETBALL
CASEY MYERS
SLED HOCKEY
JOANNA NIEH
TENNIS
DEMETRIA OBER
GOALBALL
ANASTASIA PAGONIS
SWIMMING
SHYANNE RACEY
GOALBALL
RUSLAN REITER
NORDIC SKIING
ISAIAH RIGO
BASKETBALL
ERIC RINE
SLED HOCKEY
ERIC RINE
TRACK & FIELD
ERICA SILVEY
TRACK & FIELD
TYLER STERN
CYCLING
JOHN "JT" STEVENS
TRACK & FIELD
PAUL STOIBER
SLED HOCKEY
JOSH WELBORN
GOALBALL
TY WIBERG
TRACK & FIELD
Think you’ve got what it takes to be an E-Team member? Visit disabledsportsusa.org/e-team to learn more.
NAME
SPORT
NAME
SPORT
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
16
WARFIGHTER SPORTS
WARFIGHTERS GIVING BACK THROUGH TEAM
RIVER RUNNER, A CHAPTER OF DSUSA
A unique train-the-trainer program is helping injured
warfighters receive the experience they need to transition into
the field of adaptive sports as instructors. Now in its third year,
the 30-week Team River Runner On-The-Job Training (OJT)
program offers opportunities for mentorship with seasoned
adaptive sports professionals, adaptive sports certifications, and
valuable on-the-job training.
This OJT program is tailored to the needs of each participant
and allows warfighters to transition from being participants in
adaptive sports programs to giving back as instructors. OJT is
focused on recruiting veterans, providing paddling instruction,
providing trip support, managing sports equipment, and
planning events.
Ryan Keyes, a Recreational Therapist at the Grand Junction VA
Medical Hospital, designed the OJT program which is managed
today by retired Air Force veteran Lance Sharp.
“These warfighters are our force multipliers,” Dave Robey,
a retired Navy veteran and Team River Runner program
coordinator said. “Each of them turns around and helps other
veterans. It’s a part of the ongoing healing process; they are
healing and the veterans they help are also healing.”
Warfighters completing the OJT program have successfully
transitioned to become Team River Runner chapter coordinators
and even started new Team River Runner chapters, like
medically-discharged Air Force veteran Jeff Allen, who
completed the OJT program in November and now co-leads the
Grand Junction Colorado chapter of Team River Runner.
“The OJT program allowed me to get more experience working
with veterans who have injuries and it has made my life a lot
better because I am not just stuck in the house. I really enjoyed it
and I’m pretty much hooked.”
The TRR OJT program is funded by Disabled Sports
USA through the Department of Veterans Administration
Adaptive Sports Grant (ASG) which provides grant funding to
organizations to increase and expand the quantity and quality of
adaptive sport activities disabled veterans and members of the
Armed Forces have to participate in physical activity within their
home communities.
The battle isn’t over.
AIG is proud to partner with Disabled Sports USA
to raise awareness and funds for wounded veterans
in their Warfighter Sports Program.
© 2015 American International Group, Inc.
17
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
MORE THAN 10,000 SERVED THROUGH
WARFIGHTER SPORTS SINCE 2003
Disabled Sports USA is celebrating its 50th year, and a proud part of our legacy is serving more than 10,000 Veterans with disabilities
since 2003 through the Warfighter Sports program. Last year alone, over 1,600 severely injured, wounded or ill service members and
veterans participated in more than fifty sports across the country.
“As an organization that was founded in 1967 by World War II and Vietnam veterans, and as a Vietnam veteran myself, I am very proud
that we have been able to provide no-cost adaptive sports rehabilitation to 10,000 of the most severely wounded veterans and family
members.” Kirk Bauer said. “We remain committed to providing the critical adaptive sports opportunities that help warfighters rebuild
their lives through sports.”
If you are a veteran with a severe disability and are interested in learning more about Warfighter Sports, please visit: www.warfightersports.org.
CALIFORNIA
March 30 – April 5
Amazing Surf Adventures
Operation Surf Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz
amazingsurfadventures.org
June TBD
Achieve Tahoe
Summer Sports Camp
Sacramento
achievetahoe.org
June 1 - 7
Amazing Surf Adventures
Operation Surf Huntington
Beach
Huntington Beach
amazingsurfadventures.org
Various Dates
Achieve Tahoe
Ongoing Sports Lessons (hiking,
water-ski, paddling and rock
climbing)
Sacramento
achievetahoe.org
Various Dates
Bay Area Outreach and
Recreation Program
Ongoing Adaptive Sports
Programs (wheelchair basketball,
power soccer, cycling, rowing,
fitness/conditioning, archery,
rock climbing, kayaking)
Berkeley
borp.org
Various Dates
United States Adaptive
Recreation Center
Ongoing Water Sports Lessons
(water-skiing, wakeboarding,
paddle sports)
Big Bear Lake
usarc.org
IDAHO
Various Dates
AquAbility
Ongoing Therapeutic Aquatics
Boise
aquability.org
ILLINOIS
June 1 - 4
Dare2Tri
Military Paratriathlon Camp
Chicago
dare2tri.org
June 9 - 11
Dare2Tri
Paratriathlon Training Camp
Chicago
dare2tri.org
KANSAS
May 17 - 21
Wheelchair Sports Inc.
Tennis Camp & Tournament
Kansas City
wsi.wcsports.org
June 2 - 4
Wheelchair Sports Inc.
Handcycle Omnium
Kansas City
wsi.wcsports.org
MAINE
Aug. 18 - 21
Maine Adaptive Sports
Veterans No Boundaries
Summer Sports Camp
Newry
maineadaptive.org
MARYLAND
April 15 – June 10
Disabled Sports USA
Saturday Golf Program
Olney
warfightersports.org
Weekly
Disabled Sports USA
Ongoing Swim Clinics
Bethesda
warfightersports.org
NEW HAMPSHIRE
July 17 - 21
New England Healing Sports
Association
New England Summer Sports
Clinic for Disabled Veterans
Sunapee
nehsa.org
Various Dates
New England Disabled Sports
Ongoing golf lessons
Loon
nedisabledsports.org
Various Dates
New England Healing Sports
Association
Ongoing sports lessons (sled
hockey, horseback riding and
paddling)
Sunapee
nehsa.org
NEW YORK
Aug. 17 - 20
STRIDE, Inc.
Military Boot Camp (archery,
hiking, fishing, shooting and
ropes course)
Chatham
stride.org
Aug. 28
Disabled Sports USA
Warfighter Sports Charity
Challenge
Westchester
warfightersports.org
OHIO
Various Dates
The Adaptive Adventure Sports
Coalition
Ongoing Weekly Sports Lessons
(water-skiing, paddle sports,
fishing, archery, bocce, sailing,
hiking, disc golf, golf and scuba)
Powell
taasc.org
OREGON
Sept. TBD
Oregon Adaptive Sports
Heroes in Summer Sports Camp
(cycling, kayaking, golf, rock
climbing, hiking)
Bend
oregonadaptivesports.org
Various Dates
Oregon Adaptive Sports
Ongoing Kayaking and
Mountain Biking Lessons
Bend
oregonadaptivesports.org
TENNESSEE
May 6-7
Sports Arts and Recreation of
Chattanooga
Paratriathlon Training Clinic
Chattanooga
sparctn.org
July 15
Sports, Arts and Recreation of
Chattanooga
Adaptive Water Skiing,
Kayaking, Stand-up
Paddleboarding
Chattanooga
sparctn.org
Various Dates
Sports Arts and Recreation of
Chattanooga
Adaptive Cycling and
Wheelchair Basketball
Chattanooga
sparctn.org
TEXAS
Ongoing
Disabled Sports USA
CFI Wheelchair Basketball
Program
San Antonio
warfightersports.org
Ongoing
Disabled Sports USA
CFI Scuba Program
San Antonio
warfightersports.org
Sept. 6 – Oct. 25
Disabled Sports USA
CFI Golf Program
San Antonio
warfightersports.org
UTAH
Date TBD
Common Ground Outdoor
Adventures
Summer Sports Camp (water-ski
and paddleboard)
Beaver Mountain
cgadventures.org
VIRGINIA
June 2 - 4
Disabled Sports USA
Billabong Warfighter Sports Surf
Camp
Virginia Beach
warfightersports.org
WEST VIRGINIA
July TBD
Challenged Athletes of West
Virginia
Warfighter Summer Sports
Camp
Snowshoe
cawvsports.org
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Soldiers Undertaking Disabled
Scuba
Scuba Certification
sudsdiving.org
Team River Runner
Kayaking
teamriverrunner.org
As a part of Disabled Sports USA’s ongoing commitment to providing free adaptive sports programming to
severely injured veterans and members of the armed forces, we offer the following programs free of charge
through our Warfighter Sports program.
Didn’t find a program near you on the Warfighter Sports calendar? Disabled Sports USA’s chapter network
has many other program opportunities free of charge for military this winter. Flip to page 24 to find your nearest chapter and see
what programs are available in your area.
These programs were funded in part by a grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The
opinions, findings and conclusions stated herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those
of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
WARFIGHTER SPORTS 2017 SUMMER CALENDAR
WARFIGHTER SPORTS
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
18
ATHLETE PROFILE
TENNIS SERVES TEEN WELL
“High school is a pretty hard setting to go through when you’re
different than most of the people you go with. I mean it’s a rough
place in general.”
Casey Ratzlaff’s outlet? Wheelchair tennis.
“Sports changed my personality a bit, because I have
something that I’m competitive about, and I have this drive in me
to be great at something,” Casey said. “It's helped me grow as a
person, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.”
The 18-year-old high school senior from Wichita, Kansas,
tried a number of sports before he settled on tennis. Wheelchair
basketball, sled hockey, and floor hockey were some sports he
attempted without serious commitment.
“I never took them very seriously,” he said.
But from the moment Casey sat in a chair and played tennis, he
knew he’d found his calling.
“I wasn’t very good. I could barely hit the ball with a racket,”
Casey said. “But once I hit the ball over, it started something for
me. I wanted more.”
Casey, who was born with spina bifida, a condition that affects
his lower limbs, had never been in a wheelchair prior to attending
the clinic where he first tried wheelchair tennis. At the time, he
was using crutches to assist his walking.
Luckily, Nick Taylor, the pro running the clinic and also a
Wichita native, can spot raw talent when he sees it. When a guy
who has won more than 300 matches in his career, including nine
grand slam quad doubles victories and three Paralympic gold
medals, says you have a knack for the sport of wheelchair tennis,
you pay attention.
“He saw me at a young age; I think he saw potential in me,”
Casey said. “That helped me, because he wanted to push me to
play as much as I wanted to play. That really worked with my
drive.”
A little more than a year later Casey was named to the U.S.
World Cup Team. There he got to meet and compete against
some of the best in the world.
“These past couple of years, I’ve gotten multiple chances to
play with some of the best,” said Casey. “I think I’m lucky if I pull
a number six in the world. I’ll get killed, but it’s a great learning
experience.”
Playing that elite competition helped Casey improve his own
game. Two summers ago, he traveled to the Netherlands with
the U.S. junior team to compete in the World Cup and helped his
team bring home the gold medal. Last summer, the boys’ junior
team defended their title in Tokyo after defeating Chile 2-1 in the
finals. He was also part of the men’s team that brought home fifth
place in Tokyo.
“It was a dream come true,” said Casey. “I never thought going
in that we were going to get that far and win it.”
But that success didn’t come without hard work. Casey spends
nearly every day out on the court, hitting for a minimum of an
hour, whether it’s playing against local club teams, his fellow high
school tennis players, or working with his coach Jeff Clark, who
also trained Nick Taylor.
“It’s good for me, because you get the chance to play with so
many people who hit the ball differently,” he said.
While Casey said the World Cup win is the highlight of his
young career so far, he also sees the team’s success as a great step
in the right direction for his legacy in the sport. He believes that
there is an unlimited ceiling for growth in the U.S. wheelchair
tennis scene and is always looking for new talent, much like Nick
was on the lookout when he found Casey.
“The ultimate goal for me is to make an impact in this country
and really start something,” said Casey. “I just want to inspire
people to play.”
As part of his goal to build a legacy, Casey applied for, and
was accepted for the Disabled Sports USA E-Team, a program
dedicated to empowering the next generation of Paralympic
athletes, to help him share his story and network with more
young adaptive athletes.
This spring, Casey will leave the halls of his high school behind
for college. He’ll continue to play tennis and keep his sights set
on the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, but for that incoming
freshman who might need an outlet, Casey recommends trying
out a new sport.
“Don’t make your disability an excuse to not go out and try
things. If you want to explore, go explore,” Casey said. “I did it,
and I think it’s worked out for me so far. Just be yourself and
work hard at the things you love and you’ll go places in life.”
"The ultimate goal for me
is to make an impact…”
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
20
TENNIS:
A SPORT FOR EVERYONE
TENNIS ADAPTATIONS
Adaptive equipment is available to make
learning and participating in tennis a fun and
challenging experience right from the start.
Tennis rackets: Rackets come in a variety
of shapes and sizes, including ones that are
shorter, smaller, and lighter, which make
gripping the racket and hitting the ball easier,
especially if range of motion is an issue.
Sometimes athletic tape or a gripping device
to secure the racquet to the hand and forearm
is used.
Two bounce rule: Allows the ball to bounce
twice before a return volley.
Tennis balls: There are numerous kinds of
tennis balls that vary in size and compression.
Larger tennis balls are easier to hit and lower
compression means that tennis balls will move
more slowly and be less likely to bounce over
your head, allowing rallies to last longer.
Tennis courts: Even courts can be
reconfigured for adaptive tennis play. For
instance, reducing the playing area means
longer points and more fun. Lower tennis nets
and portable nets are also available to modify
the playing areas to whatever works best for
learning and playing, even off the tennis court
on a flat surface like a blacktop, driveway, or
playground. There are also swing tee stands to
practice stroke mechanics.
Wheelchairs for Tennis: Special
wheelchairs with cambered wheel are used for
better stability and maneuvering.
“The people you
meet through
tennis are friendly,
happy, optimistic
and outgoing, They
just want to have a
good time and want
others to have a
good time.”
– Steve Kappes,
Director of the San Diego Wounded
Warrior Tennis Program and Director of
Military Outreach for the San Diego District
Tennis Association
With more than 250,000 courts in communities across the U.S.,
tennis is a widely accessible sport that more than 15 million
Americans love to play, from young children to people in their
80s. One reason why tennis is so popular is because it’s a sport
that is very social, both on and off the court, through tennis
clubs and leagues. “In addition to the benefits of getting outside, becoming active
and exercising, many of the participants like just as much meeting people, forming
friendships and connecting to a tennis community that can be like a second family”
said Steve Kappes, Director of the San Diego Wounded Warrior Tennis Program and
Director of Military Outreach for the San Diego District Tennis Association.
With tennis, you can choose to play the occasional, neighborhood 30-minute
game recreationally or play in competitive matches that can last hours. Fortunately,
tennis offers numerous adaptations in instruction and equipment that allow youth
and adults of all abilities to play.
21
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
Athletes with any number of disabilities can enjoy tennis standing up,
including athletes with limb loss and other orthopedic challenges. Because
tennis tournaments are based on skill level, once an adaptive tennis player is
able to continue a rally, competition in both singles and doubles tournaments
is possible.
WHEELCHAIR TENNIS
Since its beginnings in 1976,
wheelchair tennis has grown
from an exhibition event to an
officially-recognized Paralympic
sport since 1988. But a player
doesn’t need the skill level of a
Paralympian to enjoy the sport.  In
wheelchair tennis, the only rule
change is that the player gets two
bounces, if needed. More than
100 competitors from around
the world competed in the Rio Paralympics in 2016, including U.S. athlete
David Wagner who earned a bronze medal and is currently ranked No. 2 in
the world. “It [wheelchair tennis] is something I can do with my able-bodied
friends.” Wagner told Gillette
World Sport. “It’s pretty inclusive
of all disabilities whether you are
standing or sitting.”
“Tennis works very well for
people with different disabilities.
Lessons can be catered to anyone’s
ability, so we can ensure our
participants have success,” said
Richard Spurling, founder and
board president of ACEing Autism,
a nonprofit providing children
with autism spectrum disorders
opportunities to play tennis. ACEing Autism serves more than 650 children
with autism across 45 locations nationwide and plans to serve 1,000 youth
with Autism in 2018.
SUCCEEDING WITH ACEing AUTISM
When Asher Major, a 13-year-old with Autism
Spectrum Disorder, first tried tennis at age nine, he
had trouble focusing, staying on the court no more
than 5-10 minutes. Today, Asher makes 30-minute
presentations and plays tennis for 90 minutes and
longer, thanks to ACEing Autism and adaptive
tennis. “I do have autism, but autism is just the way I
think, it’s not who I am,” he said.
Now, Asher is playing on his high school tennis
team.
“Tennis gives kids the chance to feel good about
what they are doing and the chance to interact with
other kids. ACEing Autism has been a game changer
for us. It’s night and day,” Asher said.
“I love the game of tennis. I wasn’t very good when
I first started, but I never gave up. ACEing Autism
gave me tennis, the love of my life.”
GETTING STARTED
The best place to get started playing adaptive
tennis is finding your nearest U.S. Tennis
Association Foundation (USTA) registered adaptive
tennis program, which you can easily do by visiting
its website (www.usta.com/Adult-Tennis/Adaptive-
Tennis/Information/usta_adaptive_tennis_
registered_programs) and look for the nearest of
almost 250 programs in the U.S. From there, simply
contact your nearest location and schedule an
opportunity to play.
In addition to the USTA, more than two dozen
Disabled Sports USA chapters offer adaptive
tennis. To find your nearest chapter, go to www.
disabledsportsusa.org/locations.
ACEing Autism locations can be found here:
www.aceingautism.org/locations. 
Veterans can find and contact their local VA
hospital through this link: www.va.gov/directory/
guide/allstate.asp.
If you know a student interested in playing
adaptive tennis in their high school, check out
www.athleticsforall.net/adaptive-tennis.
Continued on page 22 >>
Photo courtesy of
Steve Kappes
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
22
“A lot of kids on the spectrum are visual learners, so we use visual
schedules, specifically nine different pictures to show participants
the different skills that they will work on throughout the class,”
Spurling said. “There is a lot of physical prompting when we teach
using hands-on techniques. Rather than using too many words, we
will physically help participants hold and swing the racket so they get
a feel for what the stroke is supposed to feel like. Then you fade away
while they practice the right motion.”
TENNIS FOR VETERANS
Adaptive tennis opportunities are available to veterans of all ages
with disabilities too. “Tennis is a lifelong sport. We serve veterans
who have recently served to veterans who served in World War II.
This is because we can adjust what we do to accommodate whatever
their ability level is,” Kappes said.
 “It’s all about having fun, where you will meet people interested
in your well-being and happiness,” he said. “We want people to keep
coming back for more. We offer tennis in the most accommodating,
supportive way possible. Family members and friends are encouraged
to join veterans at clinics to have someone close to them with whom
they can play."
VA hospitals have a recreation department or therapist on staff
running adaptive sports programs, including tennis. Contact your
local VA hospital to learn about what is available.
<< Continued from page 21
The Struggle is only
Part of the Story
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CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
24
ALABAMA
Lakeshore Foundation
Birmingham, AL 35209
lakeshore.org
205-313-7400
ALASKA
Challenge Alaska
Anchorage, AK 99501
challengealaska.org
907-344-7399
Southeast Alaska
Independent Living
Juneau, AK 99801
sailinc.org
907-586-4920
ARIZONA
Arizona Disabled Sports
Mesa, AZ 85210
arizonadisabledsports.com
480-835-6273
CALIFORNIA
Achieve Tahoe
Truckee, CA 96162
achievetahoe.org
530-581-4161
Adaptive Sports and
Recreation Association
San Diego, CA 92195
adaptivesportsandrec.org
619-336-1806
Amazing Surf Adventures
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
amazingsurfadventures.org
805-544-7873
Bay Area Outreach and
Recreation Program
(BORP)
Berkeley, CA 94703
borp.org
510-849-4663
Central California
Adaptive Sports Center
Shaver Lake, CA 93664
centralcaladaptive.org
559-593-2504
Disabled Sports USA
Eastern Sierra
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
disabledsportseasternsi-
erra.org
760-934-0791
Disabled Sports USA
Los Angeles -
The Unrecables
Los Angeles, CA 90024
unrecables.com
Disabled Sports USA
Orange County -
The Achievers
Fullerton, CA 92838
theachievers.org
949-460-6969
Discovery Blind Sports
Kirkwood, CA 95646
discoveryblindsports.org
209-258-2233
Shasta Disabled Sports
USA
Mount Shasta, CA 96067
shastadsusa.org
530-925-1531
U.S. Adaptive Recreation
Center
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
usarc.org
909-584-0269
Wheels to Water
Los Angeles, CA 90039
wheelstowater.com
608-514-3843
COLORADO
Adaptive Action Sports
Copper Mountain, CO
80443
adacs.org
Adaptive Adventures
Lakewood, CO 80215
adaptiveadventures.org
303-679-2770
Adaptive Sports
Association
Durango, CO 81301
asadurango.com
970-259-0374
Adaptive Sports Center of
Crested Butte
Crested Butte, CO 81224
adaptivesports.org
970-349-2296
Aspen Camp of the Deaf &
Hard of Hearing
Aspen, CO 81654
aspencamp.org
970-315-0513
Breckenridge Outdoor
Education Center
Breckenridge, CO 80424
boec.org
970-453-6422
Challenge Aspen
Snowmass Village, CO
81615
challengeaspen.org
970-923-0578
Colorado Discover Ability
Grand Junction, CO 81502
coloradodiscoverability.org
970-257-1222
Foresight Ski Guides, Inc.
Vail, CO 81657
foresightskiguides.org
303-506-3859
Golf 4 The Disabled
Englewood, CO 80110
golf4thedisabled.org
303-221-1184
Ignite Adaptive Sports
Boulder, CO 80308
igniteadaptivesports.org
303-506-8007
National Sports Center
for the Disabled
Denver, CO 80204
nscd.org
970-726-1518
Steamboat Adaptive
Recreational Sports
Steamboat Springs, CO
80477
steamboatstars.com
970-870-1950
Telluride Adaptive Sports
Telluride, CO 81435
tellurideadaptivesports.org
970-728-5010
Visually Impaired and
Blind Skiers
Colorado Springs, CO
80923
coloradovibes.org
719-337-0161
CONNECTICUT
Chapter 126 Sports &
Fitness, an Oak Hill Center
Bristol, CT 06010
chapter126.com
860-769-7047
Leaps of Faith Adaptive
Skiers
Sandy Hook, CT 06482
leapsoffaithadaptiveskiers.
com
203-426-0666
Sports Association of
Gaylord Hospital
Wallingford, CT 06492
gaylord.org/About-Gay-
lord/Sports-Association
866-429-5673
FLORIDA
Florida Disabled
Outdoors Association
Tallahassee, FL 32301
fdoa.org
850-201-2944
GEORGIA
Athens Inclusive Rec-
reation and Sports, Inc.
(AIRS)
Athens, GA 30605
airs-ga.org
703-353-7463
BlazeSports America
Norcross, GA 30093
blazesports.org
404-270-2000
IDAHO
Adaptive Wilderness
Sports of McCall
(AWeSOMe!)
McCall, ID 83638
www.awesomemccall.org
208-315-4275
AquAbility
Boise, ID 83705
aquability.org
208-336-1876
Higher Ground Sun Valley
Ketchum, ID 83340
highergroundsv.org
208-726-9298
Recreation Unlimited, Inc.
Boise, ID 83701
recreation-unlimited.org
208-391-3594

ILLINOIS
Adaptive Adventures
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
adaptiveadventures.org
866-679-2770
Dare2tri
Chicago, IL 60642
dare2tri.org
312-967-9874
Great Lakes Adaptive
Sports Association
(GLASA)
Lake Forest, IL 60045
glasa.org
847-283-0908
Rehabilitation Institute of
Chicago
Chicago, IL 60611
ric.org
312-238-5001

INDIANA
Special Outdoor Leisure
Opportunities
South Bend, IN 46660
skisolomichiana.org
269-244-8016
Turnstone Center for
Disabled Children and
Adults, Inc.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
turnstone.org
260-483-2100
IOWA
Adaptive Sports Iowa
Ames, IA 50010
adaptivesportsiowa.org
888-777-8881 x115
KANSAS
Wheelchair Sports, Inc.
Wichita, KS 67203
wsi.wcsports.org
KENTUCKY
United States Driving
for the Disabled, Inc.
Georgetown, KY 40324
usdfd.org
810-516-6560
MAINE
Central Maine Adaptive
Sports
Auburn, ME 04210
cmasports.org
207-784-1561
Maine Adaptive Sports
& Recreation
Newry, ME 04261
maineadaptive.org
207-824-2440
MARYLAND
Baltimore Adapted
Recreation and Sports
Parkton, MD 21120
barsinfo.org
478-227-7386
Bennett Institute
Physically Challenged
Sports Program of
Kennedy Krieger
Baltimore, MD 21211
kennedykrieger.org
443-923-7844
Chesapeake Region
Accessible Boating
Annapolis, MD 21409
crabsailing.org
410-266-5722
Soldiers Undertaking
Disabled Scuba (SUDS)
Bethesda, MD 20810
sudsdiving.org
202-341-9750
Team River Runner, Inc.
Rockville, MD 20853
teamriverrunner.org
703-532-6070

MASSACHUSETTS
AccesSport America
Acton, MA 01720
accessportamerica.org
978-264-0985
MICHIGAN
Cannonsburg Challenged
Ski Association
Ada, MI 49301
skiccsa.org
616-847-3060
Michigan Adaptive Sports
West Bloomfield, MI 48323
michiganadaptivesports.
com
MINNESOTA
Courage Kenny Sports
and Recreation
Minneapolis, MN 55408
couragecenter.org
612-775-2277
U.S. Electric Wheelchair
Hockey Association
Minneapolis, MN 55427
powerhockey.com
763-535-4736
MISSOURI
Disabled Athlete
Sports Association
St. Peters, MO 63376
dasasports.org
636-477-0716
Midwest Adaptive Sports
Dearborn, MO 64439
midwestadaptivesports.org
816-287-2011
CHAPTER LISTING
25
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
MONTANA
DREAM Adaptive
Recreation, Inc.
Whitefish, MT 59937
dreamadaptive.org
406-862-1817
Eagle Mount Billings
Billings, MT 59101
eaglemount.us
406-969-2949
Eagle Mount Bozeman
Bozeman, MT 59715
eaglemount.org
406-586-1781
Eagle Mount Great Falls
Great Falls, MT 59403
eaglemount.net
406-454-1449
NEW HAMPSHIRE
AbilityPLUS, Inc.
Manchester, NH 03104
abilityplus.org
800-287-8415 x104
Granite State Adaptive
Mirror Lake, NH 03853
gsadaptivesports.org
603-387-1167
Lakes Region Disabled
Sports at Gunstock
Gilford, NH 03249
lrdisabledsports.org
603-737-4365
New England Disabled
Sports
Lincoln, NH 03251
nedisabledsports.org
603-745-9333
New England Healing
Sports Association
Mt. Sunapee Resort, NH
03255
nehsa.org
603-763-9158
Northeast Passage
Durham, NH 03824
nepassage.org
603-862-0070
Waterville Valley
Adaptive Sports
Waterville Valley, NH 03215
watervilleadaptive.com
603-236-8311
NEW MEXICO
Adaptive Sports Program
New Mexico
Santa Fe, NM 87502
adaptivesportsprogram.org
505-570-5710
Ski Apache Adaptive
Sports
Ruidoso, NM 88355
skiapacheadaptivesports.com
575-464-3193

NEW YORK
Adaptive Sports
Foundation
Windham, NY 12496
adaptivesportsfoundation.
org
518-734-5070
Adaptive Sports Program
– Helen Hayes Hospital
West Haverstraw, NY 10993
helenhayeshospital.org/
hospital-services/adapted-
sports-and-recreation
845-947-3187
ASPIRE, Inc.
(Amputee Program)
Hartsdale, NY 10530
aspirenewyork@gmail.com
Cape Ability
Outrigger Ohana, Inc.
West Henrietta, NY 14586
adaptivecanoeing.org
Greek Peak
Adaptive Snowsports
Apalachin, NY 13732
gpadaptive.org
607-835-6111
Lounsbury Adaptive
Ski Program
Ellicottville, NY 14731
lounsburyadaptive.org
716-699-3504
Move Along
Oswego, NY 13126
movealonginc.org
315-263-1705
Rochester Accessible
Adventures
Rochester, NY 14623
rochesteraccessibleadven-
tures.org
585-491-6011
STRIDE, Inc.
West Sand Lake, NY 12196
stride.org
518-598-1279
Western New York
Adaptive Water Sports
Grand Island, NY 14072
wnyadaptivewatersports.org
716-364-8219
NORTH CAROLINA
Bridge II Sports
Durham, NC 27705
bridge2sports.org
866-880-2742
OHIO
Adaptive Sports Program
of Ohio (ASPO)
Dalton, OH 44618
adaptivesportsohio.org
330-985-0085
The Adaptive Adventure
Sports Coalition (TAASC)
Powell, OH 43065
taasc.org
614-389-3921
Three Trackers of Ohio
Middleburg Heights, OH
44130
3trackers.org
440-476-9905
OKLAHOMA
UCO Center of Adaptive
Sports
Edmond, OK 73034
uco.edu/wellness/sr/train-
ingsite/index.asp
405-974-3140
OREGON
Adaptive Sports
Northwest
Beaverton, OR 97005
adaptivesportsnw.org
503-241-0850
Happy Trails Riding
Center
West Linn, OR 97068
happytrailsridingcenter.org
503-351-0134
Oregon Adaptive Sports
Bend, OR 97703
oregonadaptivesports.org
541-306-4774

PENNSYLVANIA
Blue Ridge Adaptive
Snow Sports (BRASS)
Carroll Valley, PA 17320
brasski.org
717-642-8282
HOPE Network
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
hopenetwork-pa.org
412-826-2703
Pennsylvania Center
for Adapted Sports
Philadelphia, PA 19130
centeronline.com
215-765-5118
Three Rivers
Adaptive Sports
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
traspa.org
412-848-8896
Two Top Mountain
Adaptive Sports
Foundation
Mercersburg, PA 17236
twotopadaptive.org
717-507-7668
RHODE ISLAND
Access2Adventure
Tiverton, RI 02878
access2adventure.org
SOUTH CAROLINA
Adaptive Expeditions
Charleston, SC 29422
adaptiveexpeditions.org
843-637-7269
Roger C. Peace
Rehabilitation Hospital
Greenville, SC 29605
ghs.org/rcp
864-455-7711

TENNESSEE
Sports, Arts & Recreation
of Chattanooga (SPARC)
Chattanooga, TN 37343
sparctn.org
423-596-5268
TEXAS
Operation Comfort
San Antonio, TX 78209
operationcomfort.org
210-826-0500
UTAH
Common Ground
Outdoor Adventures
Logan, UT 84321
cgadventures.org
435-713-0288
National Ability Center
Park City, UT 84060
discovernac.org
435-649-3991
VERMONT
AbilityPLUS, Inc.
Mt. Snow, VT 05356
abilityplus.org
800-287-8415 x103
Bart J. Ruggiere
Adaptive Sports Center
Manchester Center, VT
05255
bartadaptive.org
802-824-6849
Friends of Stowe
Adaptive Sports
Hyde Park, VT 05655
stoweadaptive.org
802-279-1079
Northeast Disabled
Athletic Association
Burlington, VT 05408
disabledathletics.org
802-862-6322
Vermont Adaptive Ski &
Sports Association
Killington, VT 05701
vermontadaptive.org
802-786-4991
VIRGINIA
Adventure Amputee Camp
Winchester, VA 22602
adventureamputeecamp.org
540-545-7238
Sailing 4 All
Richmond, VA 23225
gosailing4all.org
804-901-4301
Sportable
Richmond, VA 23220
sportable.org
804-340-2991
Wintergreen Adaptive
Sports
Roseland, VA 22967
wintergreenadaptivesports.
org
434-325-2007

WASHINGTON
Footloose Sailing
Association
Seattle, WA 98122
footloosedisabledsailing.org
206-382-2680

Outdoors for All
Foundation
Mercer Island, WA 98040
outdoorsforall.org
206-578-6735

WASHINGTON, D.C.
DC Fire Fighters
Burn Foundation
Washington, DC 20017
dcffburnfoundation.org
202-528-3898

WEST VIRGINIA
Challenged Athletes
of West Virginia
Snowshoe, WV 26209
cawvsports.org
304-572-6708

WISCONSIN
Southeastern Wisconsin
Adaptive Ski Program
Cedarburg, WI 53022
sewasp.org
414-533-7234
WYOMING
Teton Adaptive Sports,
Inc.
Jackson, WY 83001
tetonadaptivesports.com
307-699-3554
CHAPTER LISTING
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
26
Introducing the
Now offered in two locations:
University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond, OK
Turnstone - Fort Wayne, IN
Endeavor Games Series is grateful for Disabled Sports
USA’s commitment as a national partner.
405.974.3140
www.endeavorgames.com
Series
ENDEAVOR GAMES
27
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
MOUNTAIN
Chapter Events
TELLURIDE ADAPTIVE SPORTS
OFFERS LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL
PROGRAMS – TELLURIDE, COLORADO
Telluride Adaptive Sports Program (TASP) is excited to offer two
extremely unique and contrasting experiences this summer. Join us in the
desert of Utah, or if you prefer to live the year-round winter life, escape
with us to Chile and ski the days away.
May 17-21, we will lead an unforgettable off-road handcycle camp in
the rugged desert of Moab, Utah. Rides through Slickrock, dirt track, and
dramatic canyons are sure to satisfy every adventurous craving. This
handcycle experience is designed for intermediate to advanced riders only
and costs $185.
If you’d rather beat the heat this summer, TASP is offering you the
chance to ski on the biggest mountain in Chile Aug. 2-11. Experience the
legendary powder stashes firsthand, enjoy local food and culture, and share
in this memorable International Freeride Camp with fellow athletes ready
to push their
skiing/riding
to the next
level.
For more information about these excursions, or other summer
adventures, visit www.tellurideadaptivesports.org or contact Tim
McGough at programs@tellurideadaptivesports.org or 970-728-3865.
Be active, have
fun and make new
friends! The National
Sports Center for
the Disabled (NSCD)
offers a wide variety
of exciting camps
and programs in both
the mountains and
Denver Metro area during the spring and summer months.
Activities include: horseback riding, rock climbing, rafting,
camping, sailing and much more. Each camp and program
offered by the NSCD is instructed by qualified and trained
staff while using cutting-edge adaptive equipment.
Whether you want to explore the Rockies around Winter
Park or have an urban adventure closer to Denver we have
a program for you. 
All programs are designed for individuals, families,
and groups and are available for all levels of ability, from
beginner to advanced. We look forward to seeing you or
your group in 2017.
For more information on programs and camps and how you can get
registered or involved with the NSCD, visit www.nscd.org.
TRY A NEW SPORT WITH THE
NATIONAL SPORTS CENTER
FOR THE DISABLED – DENVER
AND WINTER PARK, COLORADO
With a new location at the base of Jackson
Hole Mountain Resort, Teton Adaptive
Sports (TAS) continues to support, promote,
and develop outdoor sports and recreation
opportunities for people with disabilities in
Wyoming. This new location allows adaptive
athletes to easily enjoy all the recreation
opportunities Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
has to offer such as riding the aerial tram,
climbing, biking, wildlife viewing, and hiking with the support of
adaptive equipment and trained staff.
Want to check out more of Wyoming’s natural beauty? Participants
can enjoy the network of bike paths leading from the office to Grand
Teton National Park or through the valley to the heart of Jackson Hole.
Hiking in the Bridger-Teton National Forest is just a stone’s throw
away. On hot summer days you can cool down with a host of outdoor
water sports, including rafting down the wild and scenic Snake
River and visiting the Grand Teton National Park lakes to stand-up
paddleboard, kayak or paddle boat.
Whatever your activity, TAS is here to help you have a fun, safe, and
empowering outdoor experience. Friends, family, and caregivers are
welcome to join the adventure.
For more information, visit www.tetonadaptivesports.com, check out
our Facebook page, or contact Cherene Vanian at summerprograms@
tetonadaptivesports.com.
TETON ADAPTIVE SPORTS
GEARING UP FOR SUMMER 2017 –
JACKSON, WYOMING
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
28
CHAPTER EVENTS MOUNTAIN
RIDE THE ROCKIES THIS
SUMMER – CRESTED BUTTE,
COLORADO
For more information on the Ride the Rockies team or
other summer programs, visit www.adaptivesports.org.
The National Ability Center and Splore have joined forces to
become one of the nations’ most extensive providers of adaptive
outdoor recreation and adventures from their home base in Utah.
Splore’s programming will be operated by the National Ability
Center offering a unique combination of programs, which will
significantly increase opportunities for individuals and families of
all abilities to get out and explore. Over the past four decades, both
organizations have positively impacted hundreds of thousands of
lives through adaptive recreation programs.
 Based on a 26-acre ranch in Park City, the National Ability
Center provides more than 35,000 adaptive experiences each year
through a network of partner venues including Park City Mountain,
Deer Valley Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort, Brighton Resort,
and Jordanelle State Park. Through this new combined business
partnership, Splore will provide a mobile arm to the organization’s
operations helping individuals of all abilities to access and
experience adventures in addition to destinations in Salt Lake City,
Moab, across Utah’s Wasatch Front, the Uintas, western Colorado
and beyond.
To get involved in the National Ability Center’s broad range of programs,
visit www.discovernac.org.
NATIONAL ABILITY CENTER EXPANDS PROGRAMMING THROUGH
PARTNERSHIP WITH SPLORE – PARK CITY, UTAH
GET AWESOME! THIS SUMMER IN
IDAHO - MCCALL, IDAHO
For more information or to register, visit www.awesomemccall.org.
Air rushes through helmet holes, providing a refreshing
breeze on sweat drenched hair. Passing truck engines
muddle the sound of rubber crunching over asphalt.
Arms are burning with fatigue and adrenaline alike
in the excitement and epic scale of the traverse.
Screaming biceps fight to keep the wheels turning but
steady progress ensues over yet another mountain pass
and through evergreen forests.
This summer the Adaptive Sports Center will help
a small team of veterans take on this 400-mile, six-
day ride. The Ride the Rockies team of veterans with
disabilities use handcycles to complete the ride, with
the support of a SAG team made up of dedicated staff
members from the Adaptive Sports Center
Nestled away in the cascading valley mountains of
Crested Butte, the Adaptive Sports Center has been
dedicated to providing accessible outdoor recreation
for people with disabilities for nearly three decades.
Whatever preferences, skill levels, and goals people
have in mind, from skiing and snowshoeing to rock
climbing, rafting, and biking, the Adaptive Sports
Center is committed to making it possible. There’s
nothing quite like the stunningly beautiful and
endlessly loving town of Crested Butte to get in touch
with physical exertion.
Starting Memorial Day, Adaptive
Wilderness Sports of McCall
(AWeSOMe!) will offer lake kayaking
throughout the summer season. This will
be the beginning of another season of
growth for the program that has offered
high-caliber winter adventures since 2002.
All kayak trips start from Payette Latte, the pristine gem of McCall,
and we invite you to join in the fun or just come out and view the fun
from the scenic shoreline. Given the wild nature of Idaho, you might
be able to catch a glimpse of a moose, deer, elk, otter, mink, eagle or
osprey along with all of the smiling faces in the water. Programs are
available to people with disabilities of all ability levels and family
and friends are encouraged to join.
ENJOY THE OUTDOORS WITH
COMMON GROUND OUTDOOR
ADVENTURES – LOGAN, UTAH
For more information or to register, give us a call at 435-713-0288.
Common Ground Outdoor Adventures in Northern Utah provides
year-round outdoor recreational opportunities for athletes with
disabilities, all adapted to meet the needs of the participants’
abilities. This summer and fall we are offering our clients an exciting
opportunity to increase skills in cycling, hiking, and more in our
new adventure activity series. Each set of activities will focus
on a specific sport and provide opportunities to build skills and
confidence.
We are also providing overnight trips to some of the American
West’s most beautiful public lands. Cycle in Moab and Arches
National Park, white-water raft in Idaho, and camp under the stars in
Grand Teton National Park.
29
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
BLAZESPORTS ALL-STAR CAMP AND OLYMPIC DAY TRACK & FIELD
MEET – ATLANTA, GEORGIA
BlazeSports
All-Star Camp,
June 4-9, allows
children ages
7-17 with physical
disabilities the
opportunity to
experience the
joy of sports and
recreation. Spend a fun week with us at our overnight summer
camp where every day is an adventure as campers run through a
gauntlet of adaptive sports and recreation, including wheelchair
basketball, outdoor archery, swimming, track and field, rock
climbing, kayaking, and so much more. In addition to the physical
aspect, campers also have the chance to grow their self-confidence,
independence, and leadership skills. Children eligible for camp
must have a physical disability such as cerebral palsy, spina
bifida, acquired brain injury, dwarfism, amputation, spinal cord
injury, visual impairment, muscular dystrophy or other related
physical disabilities. For registration and more information, visit
www.blazesports.org/what-we-do/camps/blazecamp.
BlazeSports will host its 3rd Annual BlazeSports America
Olympic Day Track & Field Meet June 17. This open meet for youth
and adult athletes with physical disabilities, both ambulatory and
wheelchair, is a one-day sanctioned meet that also doubles as a
Paralympian meet and greet. Track events included are 100m,
200m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m. Field events included are shot
put, javelin, long jump, and discus. Registration is $30 and closes
June 13, 2017. Contact
tliscomb@blazesports.org
for more information.
For more information about BlazeSports
programs, visit www.blazesports.org.
CHAPTER EVENTS EAST
THIS IS YOUR YEAR TO GET ON THE WATER AND GO SAILING –
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND
For anyone saying, “This is the year I want to get on the water and learn to sail,”
Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) has opportunities for you. Our
mission is to bring the thrill and freedom of sailing to all persons with disabilities.
Don’t be left on the dock!
All recovering and wounded warriors are welcome to race with their family or a
friend on the Chesapeake Bay Saturday, April 22, at the Recovering Warrior Sailing
Regatta. The event will take place at the National Sailing Hall of Fame in Annapolis.
On June 17, the Don Backe Memorial CRAB Cup will be held at the Annapolis
Yacht club for our civilian population. All of CRAB’s fleet is specially outfitted to
accommodate persons with limited mobility. Sailing is safe, secure, and really fun on
a CRAB sailboat with our experienced skippers.
Go to www.crabsailing.org to learn more about these events and additional opportunities to go sailing this summer.
SPORTSABILITY TALLAHASSEE RETURNS APRIL 6-8 – TALLAHASSEE,
FLORIDA
Join Florida Disabled Outdoors Association for a celebration of ability and
sport at the 27th Annual SportsAbility Tallahassee April 6-8 from 10 a.m. – 3
p.m. Enjoy everything from rock climbing to sit water-skiing, kayaking, tennis,
scuba, and much, much more. SportsAbility provides people of all ages and
abilities, their family/friends, hands-on recreational activities to improve
overall wellness at no cost thanks to community support and sponsors. Special
recognition will be given to participating veterans for their service.
David Lowe, a program participant and veteran says this about
SportsAbility.
“Over the past 15 years, SportsAbility has given me many
opportunities. After I had my accidents, participation in Florida
Disabled Outdoors Association programs helped rebuild my
strength and my personality.”
To register, become a sponsor, or for more information go to
www.fdoa.org or contact the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association
(FDOA) at info@fdoa.org or 850-201-2944.
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
30
CHAPTER EVENTS EAST
GET OUT AND GOLF WITH MAINE ADAPTIVE SPORTS & RECREATION
– NEWRY, MAINE
Interested in golf? Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation offers a
robust schedule of ongoing golf lessons and playing opportunities
during the summer. With experienced staff and volunteers, Maine
Adaptive’s golf program offers people with physical disabilities the
chance to learn and perfect their skills and enjoy the social benefits
of a day outside with others. All equipment and instruction is free
of charge. Thanks to the generous support of the Toddy Brook Golf
Course, The Bethel Inn, and Maple Lane Golf Course, there are no
green fees.
On July 23, Maine Adaptive and the Amputee Association of
Maine will offer an instructional clinic at the Freeport Country
Club, sponsored by Harris Golf. The clinic will be the kickoff to the
First Annual Maine Amputee Golf Tournament at the Falmouth
Country Club in Falmouth. The clinic is open to all amputees,
whether or not they choose to play in the Amputee Tournament,
and will be staffed by PGA professionals.
In August, golfers can also participate in the Annual Portland
Pie “Fitzy” Memorial Tournament at the Woodlands Country
Club in Falmouth, Maine, which honors the legacy of a former
participant and volunteer Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Fitzy, is open to all
and helps raise funds to support Maine Adaptive’s programs.
For more information on Maine Adaptive’s golf programs and other
summer sports, contact us at info@maineadaptive.org or visit
www.maineadaptive.org.
SET SAIL WITH SAILING 4 ALL – RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
Ahoy! Sailing 4 All welcomes you, your family and friends aboard
our 24-foot wheelchair accessible pontoon boat. This summer
will mark our fifth season providing cruises on the James River,
departing from our dock in Richmond. While our knowledgeable
crew and skipper make sure you are safe and well taken care of, you
can enjoy nature, bird watching, history, photography, fishing, and
more. You could even celebrate your birthday on the boat.
Cruises take place
mornings, afternoons, and
evenings in May through
October. Prior reservation is
required.
JOIN A VARIETY OF SPRING
AND SUMMER PROGRAMS
WITH SPORTABLE –
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
Contact Sailing 4 All at www.gosailing4all.org to make your reservation.
Sportable is launching a new batch of spring and summer
programs for athletes with disabilities in the Richmond
area. On April 1, we will kick off our racing season with the
Monument Avenue 10K. Later that week, we’ll begin our
adaptive archery and wheelchair tennis season. At the end
of May, we’ll start kayaking again and continue through
the end of summer. Wheelchair lacrosse and power
wheelchair soccer will both start in June and run through
August.
Not sure which sport is right for you? Come check out
one of our Paralympic Experience Days to try out a variety
of sports. April 8, we will be hosting the event at Western
Albemarle High School and on April 14 we’ll be at Virginia
Commonwealth University (VCU) for another Paralympic
Experience Day. Both days allow athletes who might be
new to adaptive sport the opportunity to try multiple
sports in a low-pressure setting with trained volunteers
who can assist you in making the experience great.
For more information regarding events and programs,
contact us at info@sportable.org or visit our website at
www.sportable.org.
2ND ANNUAL ADAPTIVE SPORTS
FEST – WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT
The Sports Association
of Gaylord Hospital,
in collaboration with
Southern Connecticut
State University, will
host its second annual
Adaptive Sports Fest
Sunday, April 9. Come
out and try wheelchair
rugby, wheelchair tennis,
boccia, wheelchair
lacrosse and wheelchair basketball. You can also learn about dozens of
other sports available from local providers including: kayaking, archery,
golf, running, cycling, sled hockey and more.
This is just the kickoff event for the summer. On Saturday, May 9,
we will host our annual Adaptive Cycling Clinic. Monday, June 12, the
Ken Murphy Memorial Golf Tournament welcomes all golfers with
disabilities, and Saturday, June 24, marks the return of the Gaylord
Gauntlet, a 5K obstacle trail run. In addition to these special events we
have adaptive cycling, golf, water-skiing, archery, boccia, paratriathlon
and tennis regularly scheduled throughout the summer.
For more information, visit www.gaylord.org/sport. To register, contact us
directly at 203-284-2772 or sports@gaylord.org.
31
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
HELP ACHIEVE TAHOE CELEBRATE
50 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH
SUMMER SPORTS FUN – NORTH
LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA
Achieve Tahoe celebrates 50 years of
service this year! We are proud to be the
founding chapter of Disabled Sports USA,
and our North Lake Tahoe-based chapter
has an exciting summer of adaptive
sports programs planned to help us mark
the anniversary, including 4 Wheel Drive
adventures, water-skiing, paddle sports, and military sports camps.
4 Wheel Drive Adventures will take participants through
the rugged Sierra Nevada backcountry along 4WD routes with
experienced drivers. Want to get out on the water? Consider water-
skiing with our experienced and trained instructors. Want even more
speed? We’ve got boating, Jet Skiing, and tubing at Donner Lake,
along with some calmer sports, including sailing, canoeing, and
kayaking. Are you a veteran interested in participating? We have
multi-day, multi-sport camps free of charge for veterans and their
family members.
CHAPTER EVENTS EAST
To learn more about any of these programs, visit www.achievetahoe.org.
BORP SPORTSFEST
RETURNS APRIL 23 –
BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA
Try three adaptive sports in one day when Bay Area
Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) once
again hosts SportsFest in Berkeley Sunday, April
23. At this annual multi-sport outdoor recreation
festival for athletes with disabilities, you can scale an
outdoor rock climbing wall, kayak around Berkeley’s
Aquatic Park, and ride one of the adaptive cycles from
our extensive fleet of handcycles, tandems, trikes,
recumbent, and more. Challenge yourself in new ways
while having a fun outdoor adventure.
The event is held at BORP’s Cycling Center, home to
one of the country’s largest and most diverse collection
of cycles for use by people with physical disabilities,
along with an accessible dock for kayak launches and
an adaptive climbing wall. BORP staff and volunteers
will ensure you are properly fitted into all equipment
and teach you the basics of kayaking, climbing, and
cycling. No experience is necessary!
Participation is free, but pre-registration is required. To
register or learn more, visit www.borp.org.
LEARN TO RIDE A BIKE WITH OUTDOORS FOR ALL FOUNDATION –
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Outdoors for All Foundation has operated for over 30 years
in Seattle and offers an array of adaptive outdoor activities.
These programs are all-inclusive for children and adults
with disabilities and welcome family members, friends and
caregivers.
One program growing in popularity is Learn to Ride a Bike.
This three-week series is geared toward all ages of all abilities
with the goal to get students successfully riding a standard
upright two-wheel bicycle by the third lesson. Volunteer
instructors start with basics and progress the student through
targeted instruction and additional tools. So far, Outdoors for
All has taught over 40 children and teens with and without
disabilities to ride upright bikes through this program.
“… I have never seen Chloe happier or more proud of herself
than that moment when she first peddled past me on her bike.”
– Amy Schley, mother of Chloe Burton, Outdoors for All Learn
to Ride a Bike Student
Two series of Learn to Ride a Bike will be offered this spring.
For more information on Outdoors for All Foundation and adaptive
recreation programs, visit www.outdoorsforall.org or contact info@
outdoorsforall.org or 206-838-6030.
7TH ANNUAL LONG TRAIL CENTURY RIDE – KILLINGTON, VERMONT
Come pedal and party for a cause in this great bike ride! On Saturday, June 24, Vermont
Adaptive Ski & Sports will host a century ride in the Long Trail Brewery/Killington Region.
There will also be 60- and 20-mile loops for those who might be newer to cycling, and a family-
friendly 5K route for the younger riders. All adaptive athletes ride for free, and all proceeds
from the ride benefit this chapter of Disabled Sports USA. Last year more than 600 cyclists,
including 40 adaptive athletes participated, and we’re expecting an even bigger turnout this
year. Post-ride, you can sit back and relax with other riders, enjoy a Long Trail beer at the
brewery, listen to live music, and enjoy a vendor village, silent
auction, BBQ, kids’ activities and much more.
For more details or to register, visit www.longtrailcenturyride.com.
CHAPTER EVENTS WEST
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
32
CHAPTER EVENTS WEST
GET OFF THE DOCK WITH FOOTLOOSE SAILING – SEATTLE,
WASHINGTON
Footloose Sailing is an American Sailing Association sailing facility. Our motto is
‘Leave Your Disability at the Dock’ as we introduce sailing as recreation and sport
to people with disabilities of all ages. Their family, friends and caregivers are also
welcome to participate. We have big and small sailboats available for our day sails
out of the Leschi North Marina on Lake Washington. Our events are scheduled twice
a month throughout the spring, summer, and early fall, and once every summer we
sail across Puget Sound for an overnight camping trip at Blake
Island.
Footloose is an all-volunteer organization and is always looking
for volunteers to help with shoreside tasks, on the docks, and out
on the water. It’s good, clean, and safe family fun!
For our event schedule and more information, check out our Facebook
page at www.facebook.com/footloosesailingassociation or visit
www.footloosedisabledsailing.org.
JOIN DISABLED SPORTS
EASTERN SIERRA THIS SPRING
– MAMMOTH LAKES, CALIFORNIA
Disabled Sports Eastern
Sierra/Paralympic Sport
Mammoth Lakes is looking
forward to a fabulous
spring season. With a
record month of snowfall
in January and more
storms lining up, we are
anticipating this incredible
ski season will last into
July. We invite military
and civilian athletes of
all ages to come join us
for daily lessons in alpine
skiing, Nordic skiing,
snowshoeing, biathlon training, snowboarding, and more this
spring. Beginning in June and running through October, we
also offer daily lessons in cycling, rock climbing, paddling
sports, and more.
In addition to daily lessons, we will host a number of
camps this spring and summer. April 25-28 is Springtacular
Camp for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Four days of
skiing or snowboarding in a great social environment make
this one of our most fun camps of the year. For our military
population, Operation High Altitude for Wounded Warriors
camp will take place June 12-16 kicking off our summer
season. Camping, cycling, rock climbing, paddling, fishing,
and more in the beautiful Eastern Sierra are offered in this
very popular camp. Next up is the June Lake Triathlon,
known as ‘the toughest race in the most beautiful place!’ with
Sprint, Olympic, and Half Iron Man courses available.
All camps and events have limited space, so reach out early. For
more information, contact Maggie Palchak at 760-934-0791 or
www.disabledsportseasternsierra.org
USARC AQUATIC ADVENTURES
AWAIT – BIG BEAR LAKE,
CALIFORNIA
After a quarter century of providing adaptive athletes with
expert instruction using state-of-the-art equipment in small
class sizes, the United States Adaptive Recreation Center
(USARC) continues its legacy of facilitating access to, and
proficiency in, a variety of summer water sports on the
sparkling blue gem known as Big Bear Lake in California’s
San Bernardino Mountains.
This summer, USARC provides water-skiing,
wakeboarding, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing,
fishing and Jet-Skiing, addressing virtually anyone’s
excitement level. For those interested in adding star gazing
or a warm glowing campfire to this mix, USARC offers a pair
of two-day, two-night sessions in late July to satisfy those
desires. If your tastes include water with higher salinity, the
USARC will again partner with Casa Colina Rehabilitation in
Long Beach Aug. 8-10.
For those not interested in water sports, our Chariot
program features exciting gravity-powered off-road
wheelchairs, and the 23rd Annual Peak to Peak Pedal five-day
ride from Big Bear to Mammoth will take place this October.
For details, visit www.usarc.org/peak-to-peak-pedal.
Summer sessions only occur during July and August, so space is
limited and reservations are required. For information, contact
USARC at 909-584-0269, mail@usarc.org or check out the website
at www.usarc.org.
33
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
CHAPTER EVENTS NATIONAL
ENDEAVOR GAMES
NOW IN TWO CITIES –
EDMOND, OKLAHOMA,
FORT WAYNE, INDIANA
For 17 years, the model of the University of
Central Oklahoma (UCO) Endeavor Games
has proven to be successful in providing a
high standard of competition for athletes
with physical disabilities where Paralympic,
emerging, and novice athletes can compete
together in the same venue, at the same time.
Expanding the Endeavor Games has been
a dream for years, and now, that dream is
becoming a reality with the addition of the
Turnstone Endeavor Games in Fort Wayne,
Indiana, April 21-23, the first event of the
newly created Endeavor Games Series.
The 2017 Turnstone Endeavor Games,
presented by Parkview Physicians Group, will
feature sports competitions for seven sports,
including air rifle shooting, boccia, goalball,
sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field,
and wheelchair basketball. Registration opens
Feb. 1 at www.endeavorgames.com.
The 18th annual UCO Endeavor Games
in Edmond, Oklahoma, will be June 8-11,
offering 10 sports, including archery, air
rifle shooting, cycling, powerlifting, sitting
volleyball, swimming, table tennis, track and
field, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair
softball. Registration will open later in the
spring.
For more information about the Endeavor Games
Series, visit www.endeavorgames.com.
CHECK OUT HIGHER GROUND – SUN
VALLEY, LOS ANGELES AND WESTERN
NEW YORK MILITARY PROGRAMS
This summer, Higher Ground will host several week-long programs
at its three locations in Sun Valley, Idaho, Los Angeles, and Western
New York. Our mission is to enhance quality of life through inclusive
therapeutic recreation and education for people of all abilities. Our staff
of certified therapeutic recreation specialists is ready to ensure that you
can get outside and participate this summer. If you want to recreate in the
beautiful outdoors and gain a better understanding of activities that can
help you achieve a more fulfilling quality of life, come check out Higher
Ground!
Summer programs include white-water rafting, fly-fishing, horseback
riding, kayaking, mountain biking and yoga. All programs are free of
charge. Significant others are always invited to attend with the veteran or
service member.
For more information about all Higher Ground programs, contact Monty Heath at
monty@highergroundsv.org or 208-726-9298.
TEAM RIVER RUNNER EXPANDS PROGRAMS TO CHILDREN WITH
VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS – VARIOUS LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE
This summer, Team River Runner is expanding its Kids are Outtasight (KOAS)
program to all interested locations. The KOAS program is an offshoot of the
Outtasight Clinic series, in which visually-impaired or blind veterans paddle in
all types of water while being guided by sighted veterans. The program promotes
leadership and paddling experience on flat-water river and lakes, oceans, and white-
water, and even some kayak football games and kayak racing. Since the program’s
beginning in 2011, Team River Runner has hosted more than 15 Outtasight Clinics
across the country.
Initially developed by the Susquehanna Valley Chapter of Team River Runner with
the help of Vision Corps, the expansion of the KOAS program
will allow even more youth to get out and experience the power
of paddle sports. When sighted veteran instructors are able to
help children paddle, the result is magical.
For more information, please contact Team River Runner at
www.teamriverrunner.org.
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
34
CHAPTER EVENTS MIDWEST
COURAGE KENNY
REHABILITATION INSTITUTE
EXPANDS PROGRAMMING
WITH WHEELCHAIR
LACROSSE – MINNEAPOLIS,
MINNESOTA
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute is
launching a new wheelchair lacrosse program this
spring. Join us for a new and challenging game for
players interested in fast-paced action. This sport
packs a punch and involves speed, finesse, and team
work. Wheelchair lacrosse is played on a roller hockey
rink or box lacrosse pad. It is eight players per side;
two players must remain in the offensive half and
three in the defensive half at all times. Wheelchair
lacrosse is played using a no-bounce ball and sports
chairs or rugby chairs. Wheelchair lacrosse offers the complete
package – physical, high demand, lightning fast, fun.
Not up for a lacrosse game? Join us for adaptive cycling
in the Twin Cities or northern Minnesota. Cycling is a sport
for all abilities. Bring your own bike or use one of our tandem
bicycles, handcycles or recumbent trikes. Instructors are ready
to teach you how to ride in a safe, fun, and efficient way. We ride
primarily on asphalt-paved designated bike trails throughout
Minnesota. Ride at your own pace with a volunteer instructor.
Riders may bike anywhere from one-25 miles per day. All riders
must provide their own helmet, which must be worn at all times
during the rides.
For more information on the lacrosse or cycling programs, contact
ckrisportsrecreation@allina.com.
GLASA TO HOST ADULT NATIONAL OPEN
- GREAT LAKES REGIONAL GAMES JUNE
9-11 – LAKE FOREST, WILMETTE, ILLINOIS
The Great Lakes Adaptive
Sports Association (GLASA) will
host its annual Adult National
Open - Great Lakes Regional
Games June 9-11 in Lake Forest
and Wilmette. Competitions will
include powerlifting, archery,
swimming, boccia, and track and
field. An archery competition
will be held on May 19. Track
and field competitors will be
competing in an International Paralympic Committee-approved race on a fast
Mondo track, which means national and international records might be broken.
All events are open to youth, adults, and injured military who have a physical or
visual disability, and are appropriate for beginners or 2020 Paralympic hopefuls.
In addition to the competition, training clinics will be held in track and jumps
for the ambulatory athlete, athlete sponsorship, and wheelchair and ambulatory
tennis. There will also be training for those interested in becoming medical or
technical classifiers for track and field.
For more information, contact Cindy Housner at 847-283-0908, chousner@glasa.org, or
www.glasa.org.
35
CHALLENGE
SPRING 2017
MARKETPLACE
If you enjoy running or sprinting, the new Blaze Foot from Fillauer is for you! A first of its kind, the Blaze’s split-
blade design allows you to take corners on the track with ease and to run the trail with confidence. In the world
of high performance prosthetics where flexibility rules, the new Blaze will propel you effortlessly through any
running activity. Contact your prosthetist today to find out if the Blaze is the right foot for you! Visit www.fillauer.
com or call 423-624-0946.
BLAZE FOOT IS HIGH PERFORMANCE
The Soleus® foot from College Park
provides natural movement with a
progressive, 3-staged response and
superior range of motion. Saltwater
tested for 2 million cycles, plus with
an antimicrobial and UV inhibited foot
shell, the Soleus performs flawlessly
at the pool, lake, ocean or outback. See
the foot in action at www.youtube.com/
CollegeParkInd.
SOLEUS® FOOT – NOW WATERPROOF!
The Dynamic Vacuum System (DVS)
bridges the gap between valve and
Harmony socket technology.
Integrating innovative design
with simplicity, the DVS reduces
the movement between the
limb and socket associated
with limb volume fluctuations.
The DVS generates vacuum
during walking and maintains this
elevated vacuum in both swing and stance phase. This
sets it apart from passive systems, such as valve, where a
vacuum is only generated in the swing phase. Increased
suspension forces and intimate fit enhances the user’s
perception of the ground beneath them. Dynamically, it
adjusts to the user’s activity level. Talk to your prosthetist
or visit ottobockus.com for details.
OTTOBOCK’S DYNAMIC VACUUM
Q’STRAINT’S QLK-150 boasts features and options you won't find in any other system:
more ground clearance, a seamless dash control, an advanced stabilizer, and much more.
QLK-150 is the perfect solution for mobility users who drive their own vehicle or want to
quickly secure their wheelchair. And, along with a complete lineup of brackets for today’s
most popular wheelchairs, QLK-150 is the only docking system with a range of exclusive
brackets for chairs that can only be secured with the QLK-150. Learn more: www.qstraint.
com/qlk-150 .
THE WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED DOCKING SYSTEM.
Virtually indestructible even in the most extreme
conditions. Maintain a natural gait even in the most
rugged or uneven terrain. One foot for all adventures.
Water? Mud? Sand? No problem. Carbon feet can’t say the
same.
To learn what RUSH™
Foot is right for you or
your patient, visit www.
rushfoot.com.
THE UNSTOPPABLE RUSH™
FOOT COLLECTION
Manufactured in the USA by Tamarack
Habilitation Technologies, GlideWear®
Prosthetic Liner Patches are made from a
patented, dual-layer fabric designed to protect
skin and soft tissue from the harmful effects of
rubbing/friction. When installed beneath the
prosthetic liner each day; wherever redness
and skin breakdown occurs, GlideWear
Patches provide immediate relief and lasting
skin protection to help amputees enjoy
walking, running, and sports activities for longer duration and in
greater comfort.
GlideWear Prosthetic Liner Patches are used and recommended
by prosthetists and amputees around the world and are available
in three sizes. For more information, visit www.glidewear.com or
email info@glidewear.com with any questions.
GLIDEWEAR® PATCHES FOR
RESIDUAL LIMB SKIN PROTECTION
Joel Goltry
BK, RUSH ROGUE™
BECAUSE THE
WORLD’S NOT
FLAT.
Increased performance, comfort and now featuring +/- 8° of torsion.