Wheelchair Softball

Wheelchair softball is such a fun game that anyone can enjoy. The participants must have a physical disability and use a wheelchair for mobility. Instead of a field to play on, they play in a parking lot or rubberized turf to allow the wheelchairs to roll easily. The rules are similar to regular softball and it such a fun experience for all participants. The National Wheelchair Softball Association is a major organization that was founded in 1976. Today, NWSA governs over 30 teams nationwide. Many teams have found allegiance and sponsorship with a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. Wheelchair softball is an exciting and challenging summer sport that enables most wheelchair users to compete.

Handcycle

Handcycling is an excellent form of exercise that allow people with lower limb disabilities a chance to get out and enjoy a bike ride. Handcycles are powered by the hands rather than the legs. Thanks to modern technology, handcycles come in a variety of styles making them accessible to people of all abilities. Fork steer handcycles are the most popular, they work well for both low and high level injuries and most have adjustable footrests, seats, and gearing. Lean steer handcycles are another type of handcycle, it is harder to learn and become very unstable at high speeds. The off road handcycle has two wheels in the front, one in back and it has a high gear range. This gives the cycle the ability to tackle steep slopes and permits the mountain biking experience. Handcycling is a great upper body workout and can provide a great sense of freedom for persons with disabilities.

Adaptive Golf

If I someday become physically disabled, golf is one sport I would still like to continue playing. Wheelchair golf also called adaptive golf is growing in popularity due to disability rights, customized equipment, adaptive golf instruction, and resources that become available to help physically disabled players learn and continue to play the game. Disabled golfers can play golf in specialized carts or wheelchairs. The carts have a swivel chair design and are weight balanced. These carts can travel over greens and difficult bunkers however the carts cost about $7500. More golf courses are considering these adaptive changes to allow for a variety of players.

Wheelchair Tennis

Wheelchair tennis is adapted for those who have disabilities in their lower limbs. The size of courts, balls, and rackets are same, but there are two major differences from regular tennis, the chairs are specific to playing tennis and the ball may bounce up to two times instead of one and the second bounce can be outside the lines. Wheelchair tennis first began in 1976 thanks to the efforts of a man named Brad Parks. The sport became popular and grew worldwide so fast that it was introduced to Paralympic games in 1988. In wheelchair tennis there are four top ranked major tournaments called the Super Series. The games consist of the Australian Open, British Open, Japan Open and US Open. The World Team Cup is an international team event that is held annually. Wheelchair tennis has grown in popularity since the 2000 Paralympics and can be very fun for any ordinary participant.

Adaptive Skiing

Adaptive skiing can either include sit skiing or wheelchair skiing where the participant is guided down the hill from behind. The first sit ski started with the invention of the mono ski. The sit ski was one of the first sitting position skis developed for people with lower extremity limitations. This may include people with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, lower extremity amputations, cerebral palsy, spina bifida or spinal cord injuries. Sit skiers use guiding poles called outriggers. Outriggers are forearm crutches with shortened skis attached at the base of the crutch which provide balance and steering of the ski. Adaptive skiing is such a fun way for participants to enjoy the outdoors and have a great adventure down a powdery mountain.

Quad Rugby

Wheelchair rugby developed in Canada in 1977. Originally called murderball, quad rugby is based on the fact that all  rugby players need to have a disability that includes at least some loss of function in at least three limbs, most athletes are medically classified as quadriplegics. Quad rugby is played indoors on a hardwood court. Wheelchair rugby is mostly played by two teams of up to twelve players. Only four players from each team may be on the court at any time. It is a mixed gender sport, and both male and female athletes play on the same teams. Physical contact between wheelchairs is permitted, and forms a major part of the game. Many players use custom made sports wheelchairs that are specifically designed for wheelchair rugby. Key design features include a front bumper, designed to help strike and hold opposing wheelchairs, and wings, which are positioned in front of the main wheels to make the wheelchair more difficult to stop and hold. All wheelchairs must be equipped with spoke protectors, to prevent damage to the wheels, and an anti-tip device at the back. The wheelchair rugby ball is identical in size and shape to a regulation volleyball only over inflated to increase the bounce of the ball. There are currently more than 24 active countries competing in wheelchair rugby.

Power Soccer

Power soccer combines the skill of the wheelchair user with the speed and power of the chair itself. It is an extremely challenging and competitive sport. The game is played in a gymnasium on a regulation basketball court. Two teams of four players use power chairs equipped with foot guards to kick and defend a soccer ball in an attempt to score goals. Power Soccer is a team sport played by individuals with various disabilities. The game has male and female participants who are often on the same team as well as opposing sides. Power Soccer is the first competitive team sport designed and developed specifically for power wheelchair users. These participants include persons with Quadriplegia, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Head Trauma, Stroke, etc. In the game the ball has to be moved by the wheelchairs, it cannot be moved by the contact of a players body unless it is by accident. Intentionally maneuvering the ball with any part of the players body is a violation. Only 2 players from each team and the goal keeper are allowed in the goal zone at any given time. A goal is made when the ball passes over the goal line in between the goal posts. After a goal has been scored, the game shall restart by a kick off from the team conceding the goal. Power soccer is such an innovative game that allows a variety of people with a variety of disabilities to have fun with each other and enjoy one another's company.