Inclusive extracurriculars: Finding adaptive sports right in our community
There is so much to be said about the life lessons learned in sports! From being a teammate, and learning how to handle failure and success, to having discipline and resilience, sports can play a fundamental role in teaching these skills. As a coach of middle school kids, I want every single child to be able to participate and have FUN!
You might ask, where do I even start looking for programs with adaptive sports? While a simple email requesting to make a sport more adaptive might make it further than you would think in your school programs (think: track and field, cross country, + other sports), there are plenty opportunities in our Peoria area community for individuals just like your kiddo! Keep on reading to know all about these resources!
Inclusive activities available in the Peoria area
Illinois Special Olympics offers a multitude of sports for children age eight and up including basketball, bocce, bowling, equestrian, flag football, floor hockey, golf, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, snowshoe, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball, alpine skiing, artistic gymnastics, and track and field. Become an athlete here: Special Olympics Illinois
Peoria Wildcats Wheelchair Basketball is an opportunity for players ages 5-21 with a lower extremity disability. The team travels around IL and surrounding states to play in tournaments. Contact information and more details can be found here: Peoria Wildcats Wheelchair Basketball - HISRA | Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association(HISRA is a great resource to find adaptive sports recreation!)
Sled Hockey is a sport in which anyone with a physical disability or medical condition that prevents traditional skating can participate! This team is out of Pekin, IL. No prior experience is needed! Learn more about this sled hockey team: Sled Hockey
Kurtz Tae Kwon Do might be my favorite on this list (from personal experience)! With leaders that are truly amazing, the students range from all different skill levels, and all students learn at a pace that works for them! The Kurtz family has over 40 years of experience teaching Tae Kwon Do in the area. During this time, they have gained a lot of experience working with children and adults with a variety of special needs. It’s a great place for the whole family! They accept new students year-round and would love to chat with you about what would be a good fit for your family! Kurtz Tae Kwon Do
Central Illinois Riding Therapy is an organization that works with children, adults and veterans who are living with mental, physical, emotional, and behavioral disabilities. Riding horseback works on the individual's confidence, range of motion, and communication skills. Individuals also form a bond with the horse that is so special! Central Illinois Riding Therapy
Prairieland Adaptive is in the process of developing multiple adaptive activities! They have hosted two expos so far, where individuals could trial various sports and recreation activities! Both took place at Bradley University in Peoria. Stay in the know for their next big events here: Prairieland Adaptive
Camp Big Sky offers fun for all individuals at no cost to the individual or family! They offer fishing, recreational boating, nature studying, arts + crafts, kite flying, overnight camping, fossil hunting, lawn games, archery, campfires, cookouts, hiking on accessible trails, hay rack rides, and kayaking! They even have overnight rentals for an experience you and your child won’t forget! Camp Big Sky
While our community already has this excellent collection of opportunities for adaptive sports, we can strive to be the biggest advocates for our children! Making simple adjustments to keep sports and activities adaptive at home – or wherever you go - can help your kid be fully involved + really thrive!
To do this, it might look like:
Bowling
Using the bumpers
Using a lighter ball
Using an alternate grip
Using the ramp
If bowling at home, try using lighter pins + shortening the distance to the pins. Using a lighter, larger ball can also help.
Basketball
Using a wider rim
Lowering the height of the basket
Grip aids, such as Velcro, to help with catching
Using a bright colored ball for a visual aid
Volleyball
Using a beach ball or a balloon
Play sitting in chairs
Lowering the net/making a makeshift net with a piece of string
Playing Tag
Using a pool noodle to make the reach easier
Setting tighter boundaries
Playing Hide and Seek
Giving more time to hide
Setting boundaries
Playing catch
Shortening the distance
Using a larger, lighter ball
Using a bright colored ball for a visual aid
Grip aids
Kicking the ball back and forth
Shortening the distance
Using a larger, lighter ball
Make the target they are kicking towards larger
Changing the goal of the game from a competitive nature to an approach that works together can also help!
See how many baskets you can make together in basketball.
See how many goals you can make in soccer as a team.
Instead of one person hiding and one seeking in hide and seek, seek the same object as a team.
These kids are so capable! You know your child best and what works best for them! Just a reminder that it’s okay to change the rules of these games to make them fun for everyone! 😊
Here’s to all the adaptive activities! Let’s stay inclusive!
Sydney Beccue
The Way to Grow Pediatric Therapy Team 🌟
about our featured writer:
Meet Sydney - one of our technicians who is always ready to jump in + accomplish anyway Way to Grow task! Sydney is a senior at Bradley University, who is soon to graduate with a degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences. Next up, she’ll continue her studies at Bradley by starting a Doctor of Physical Therapy program starting this May. Sydney has a heart for working with kids, and it really shines through! Sydney is already active in the lives of kids through coaching track and serving in a ministry to middle schoolers (not to mention her work at Way to Grow)! Sydney is always ready to support others with a smile + loves bring a smile to your kid’s face!
