Are you interested in joining an extreme sports team? Would you like to play with peers who face the same disabilities and struggles as you do? If so, these five sports are worth looking into. Not only will they allow you to interact with other disabled athletes, but they will also provide the rewarding athletic experience you’ve been waiting to find.While your options are certainly not limited to these sports (there are dozens of extreme sports tailored to those with disabilities that are not discussed in this article), these are a great start.
1. Adaptive Flying
The first extreme sport on our list is adaptive flying. This incredible sport allows men and women with disabilities to learn how to fly a plane. The experience provides a unique sense of freedom, excitement, and potential that is rarely matched by other sports. One organization that offers training in this extreme sport is APT Trust (Aviation for Paraplegics and Tetraplegics Charitable Trust). Located in the UK, the charity was founded in 1994 by a man named James Edmonds and focuses on teaching the physically disabled to fly. There are a number of similar organizations across the United States.
2. Wheelchair Basketball
Perhaps the most popular extreme sports for disabled athletes is wheelchair basketball. You’ve probably even seen a commercial or television show that features this adaptive sport. Special wheelchairs are often required for team members who practice on a regular basis and even compete against other teams for the champion title. To join a community team or learn more, visit the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) website to inquire about necessary equipment, physical requirements, and how to join a league.
3. Scuba Diving
Yet another incredible extreme sport example is scuba diving. You can learn more about this sport through the Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA), which was established in 1981. This organization is focused on helping disabled athletes to explore their talents underwater. It employs techniques like the dive buddy program and ongoing professional training. With a multitude of training centers around the world, trying your hand at this sport is only a phone call away. You can also visit the official HSA YouTube channel to learn more.
4. Skiing
Believe it or not, there are plenty of opportunities for disabled athletes to explore the world of skiing. You can visit a program in your area to learn more. There are a number of locations that provide ongoing training for interested individuals. You can also call nearby ski hills to see if they have adaptive programs. Once you master a number of techniques, tips, and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a professional athlete. You can even compete!
5. Equestrian Sports
Whether you are interested in sports for competition or for therapy, choosing to master equestrian sports is a solid decision. We Can Ride, established in 1982, is a volunteer and non-profit organization that works hard to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities through equestrian training. This is one of many organizations prepared to educate you about the extreme sport – although you can also see if your local equestrian center has adaptive programs available for you.
If these five extreme sports have you interested in learning more about becoming a disabled athlete, continue your research and see what programs are available in your community. The more involved you are, the more you’ll be able to accomplish.
Remember, even when the going isn’t easy, the results will always be worth it.
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