My Tips for Adaptive Sports and Recreation

For anyone living with a spinal cord injury (SCI), one of the best things you can do post-injury is to join an adaptive sports club or team. I have met many incredible people with spinal cord injuries through adaptive sports. Each individual I encountered has either empowered me or motivated me in some form or fashion. Adaptive sports have helped me overcome my injury in many ways. Once I started actively competing in different sports, I noticed significant health improvements. One of the most important health benefits of being active is improved bowel function.

Along /with potential health improvements, your overall quality of life will also improve. Adaptive sports also provide newly injured individuals a community and a safe space to ask important questions. The benefits of adaptive sports are endless.

Just like abled-body sports, adaptive sports have different competitive levels. Some people take up adaptive sports as a hobby just to have fun and be active. Others may take up adaptive sports to potentially be a Paralympian one day. Did you know that there are over 50 official and unofficial adaptive sports? However, just about every sport can be adapted for an individual living with SCI. Many people ask how they can get started in adaptive sports. I recommend joining a club or team and searching for local adaptive sports/ teams in your area.