We know that being a part of a team and being physically active has enormous benefits for anyone.
The fellowship that stems from participating in group sports improves a person’s mental and emotional health, helps them to feel connected and a part of something, and helps them to gain confidence. The physical and mental benefits of being physically active are numerous, too.
For adults with disabilities, however, it can be difficult to find teams or sports that can be adapted, and where you feel like you fit in. This is why Special Olympics and other adapted sports teams that allow the use of wheelchairs or other modifications for accessibility are so important.
Special Olympics is a global organization for athletes with disabilities which thousands of volunteers and coaches work with each year. As of 2017, they have reached over five million athletes and have had over one million volunteers. Since its founding, Special Olympics has impacted an enormous amount of individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities.
They provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for both children and adults with intellectual disabilities. These activities allow them to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and interact in community with other Special Olympics athletes.
We have compiled a list of the Special Olympics Activities and other local adapted sports teams in Chester County:
Chester Springs
Special Olympics Chester County, Pennsylvania Basketball –Year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Coatesville
Special Olympics Chester County, Pennsylvania Basketball – Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Exton
Special Olympics Chester County, Pennsylvania – Over 1,000 children and adults with intellectual and closely related developmental disabilities participate in the Special Olympics Chester County program. Athletes range in age from 8 to over 60 and are of all ability levels. They provide local competitions year-round for all of the sports offered in the Special Olympics Chester County program.
Paoli
Adult Training Program at the Royer-Greaves School for Blind – The Adult Training program offers modified team and individual sports, including swimming. Serves participants 21 years of age and up who have intellectual disabilities. Both sighted and visually impaired individuals may participate.
Pottstown
Coventry Little League Challenger Division – The Challenger Division enables boys and girls with physical and mental challenges up to 21 years of age to enjoy the game of baseball.
West Chester
Special Olympics Basketball – Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Held on Sundays 10:30-noon – January 6 to Feb 24, 2019.
Special Olympics Ice Skating – Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Held at Ice Line on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Fitness for Diverse Abilities at the YMCA West Chester Branch – A non-competitive fitness program for teens and adults with special needs. This program is a fun way to socialize, stay active, and enjoy being part of a team. Through a safe and caring environment, we open doors to all possibilities.
Team River Runner Southeast Pennsylvania – Team River Runner (TRR) is a nationwide non-profit network of more than 50 chapters. We offer health and healing for military injured, active duty, veterans, first-responders and disabled members of our community through therapeutic kayaking.
West Grove
Special Olympics Basketball – Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Held on Sundays 8-10am- January 6 to May 18.
Other Nearby Teams and Programs:
Philadelphia
Katie’s Komets – Katie’s Komets is a co-ed wheelchair basketball team for kids with physical disabilities. The organization is for kids in elementary school through high school graduation (up to 20 years of age). The program does not require that a child be a full-time wheelchair user or even own a wheelchair. All that is necessary is that the child has a long-term physical limitation that prevents him or her from participating in a regular basketball program and is able to operate a manual wheelchair.
Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports – Activities include alpine Skiing, climbing, cycling, kayaking, rowing, sailing, sled hockey, swimming, track and field, triathlon, and yoga.
Wheelchair Rugby – A sport unlike any other; Magee Eagles Quad Rugby is as competitive as it is intense! Players collide, literally, as the teams of four scramble to push a volleyball down a basketball court through their opponent’s zone and across the goal line. Competition is limited to athletes with impairments to both lower and upper limbs and each person is given a point value based on their level of functioning.
Wheelchair Basketball – Wheelchair basketball is an exciting sport of skill and teamwork, whether you’re an athlete with an amputee, a spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or another lower extremity disability; basketball is a great way to get exercise, have fun, and be challenged.