ROCKVILLE, MD. Disabled Sports USA launches a first of its kind initiative to engage people with
disabilities at home, reducing isolation and improving quality of life. The #AdaptAtHome challenge is
engaging thousands of wounded warfighters, youth and adults with disabilities nationwide.
Spring sports season is normally filled with clinics, competitions, regional games, and other adaptive
sports programming at the 150 community-based chapters of Disabled Sports USA. COVID-19 has
impacted those activities, temporarily shuttering the chapters nationwide.
"Disabled Sports USA knows all about adapting, adaptive sport is what we do," said Disabled Sports
USA Executive Director Glenn Merry. So on March 17th, when the State of Maryland began closing
business as usual, the organization quickly pivoted its focus to bring those programs and activities to life
online.
"Where others see adversity and obstacles, our natural inclination is to find how to adapt around it,"
Merry said. "We have an office of passionate people, motivated to create opportunities. Within 48 hours,
we launched the first ever digital platform to serve our community."
The new platform includes more than 100 live and recorded sport and fitness activities led by adaptive
athletes and coaches and designed for people with disabilities. Opportunities range from yoga to strength
training, and a lot in between.
The organization has also challenged its athletes to maintain their physical and mental health with
#AdaptAtHome Challenge. This program brings people together, through sport, when they can’t be
together. Athletes film their at home workouts and post to social media, calling out their friends to join in
sharing their workouts. A number of U.S. Paralympic athletes, including Snowboarders Brittany Couri,
Noah Elliott, Brenna Huckaby, and Nicole Roundy have also participated in the social media challenge.
Other Team USA Paralympians have joined in DSUSA’s effort to encourage adaptive athletes to be safe,
be active, and be connected. "I think that we as athletes have the ability to adapt and be creative, and
those are going to be huge during this time," said Paralympic Silver Medalist and Long Jump World
Record Holder Lex Gillette, who is blind. "Training looks different given the recommendations and
guidelines in place for our country, but you have to keep moving so you don’t go stir crazy. It may be
difficult if you have limited space, but the idea here is to try and get some work in, and again, creativity is
the name of the game."
Six-Time Paralympic Medalist Dan Cnossen advises everyone to get outside, assuming you are able to do
so (check your local jurisdiction for any restrictions). "I love being close to nature. I’m always searching
for viable ways for me to get into the woods. It helps keep my sanity" Cnossen said. "Being outside helps
with mood, temperament, and outlook. It helps get the blood flowing and increases endorphins. During
this challenging time, either start the day, break up the day, or end the day by getting outside."
To learn more about the online resources available during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit
https://www.disabledsportsusa.org/adaptathome/.
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About Disabled Sports USA
Founded in 1967, Disabled Sports USA is a national charitable organization that provides opportunities
for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in
sports. What began as a program to serve Vietnam veterans has since grown into one of the nation's
largest multi-sport, multi-disability organizations, annually serving more than 70,000 wounded warriors,
youth, and adults with disabilities. A member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, Disabled Sports USA
offers programs in more than 50 summer and winter sports through its nationwide network of 150
community-based chapters. For more information, visit http://www.disabledsportsusa.org.
Media Contact:
Disabled Sports USA
Shuan Butcher, sbutcher@dsusa.org
240-268-2180
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