Adaptive Sports

As a future coach, my goal is to help others become better people and live a better life. The Adaptive Physical Education class, and the inspirational videos that we have viewed, have opened my eyes and heart to things I had never considered.  I guess I was always naïve about working with kids who have disabilities. In fact, I cannot remember seeing or participating with disabled athletes in my physical education classes or athletics. However, after watching the videos produced by the Sports Association of Gaylord Hospital (Adaptive Sports), I would say I am inspired to help others achieve their sport and fitness goals. 

The take-away from the previous video was a cognitive and emotional response that allowed me to see the benefits that these individuals achieved through exercise and sports. As a coach, I want to provide an opportunity for all my athletes to enhance their quality of life so that they can live a better life. Whether that includes aiding others through buddy system activities such as snow skiing, water skiing, tennis, and the para-triathlon, I want to take what I have learned throughout my education in Kinesiology and help others.  Using ideas such as the recumbent bike for individuals with cerebral palsy or spinal cord injury and adapting strategies, I have learned that it is important to fully include all individuals (with or without disabilities) in sports and fitness activities because movement is a natural part of life. I firmly believe everyone deserves a chance to live life to its fullest!