What are Adapted Sports?
Adapted Sports are community-based sport programs developed to involve youth and adults with physical and visual disabilities in sports and physical activity, regardless of skill level. And is designed as a program to be implemented within an agency or organization's program.
Current listing of Adapted Sports:
Boccia
Goalball
Archery
ParaCanoe
Flag Football
Baseball
Basketball
Lacrosse
Kickball
Cheerleading
For more information about our adapted sports programs, contact Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation Services at 980-314-1192 or TRinfo@MeckNC.Gov
Need more information on some of the sports listed above?
Goalball
Goalball is a sport for athletes who are blind or visually impaired.
Athletes compete in teams of three in this sport.
The ball makes noise when it's in motion so that the players can locate it audibly. It is played on a court with tactile markings so that players can determine their location on the court and which direction that he/she is facing. All players wear eye masks to block out light and thus equalize visual impairment between the athletes. Players take turns throwing the ball, end to end, at each other's goal.
Paracanoe/Adaptive Paddling
In the Paralympics, the two main types of paracanoe boats are Kayaks (K), propelled by a double-blade paddle, and outrigger canoes called Va'as (V) where the boat has a second ‘pontoon’ called an ama as a support float. The boat is propelled by a single blade paddle.
Boccia
Boccia is a sport for athletes with cerebral palsy (CP), and disabilities affecting muscle control, balance, or coordination, stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injuries (SCI) and other disabilities which require competition using a wheelchair. The object of boccia is to throw/roll a game ball closest to the target ball.
Archery
Archery is a sport that is open to everyone; it is inclusive of all ages, genders and abilities. Athletes with physical or cognitive impairments, who may otherwise be dissuaded from participating in sports can participate in archery alongside athletes without any disability. Whether your goal is to just get out and socialize or be active, or to make a U.S. Paralympic or World Championship Team, archery is a sport that lends itself to any need.
Simple adaptations to archery programs can break the stigma associated with disabilities and remove the barriers to conversations and interactions among groups of people who might otherwise be separated. This environment can be an enriching experience for all students of archery.
Our program is led by either a USA Archery Level 1, or Level 2 Coach.
All equipment provided.
Mecklenburg County Public Health encourages all eligible residents ages 12 and older to get a free COVID-19 vaccination.