Adaptive sports organization raises money and awareness

This is the second blog -- and first official post -- that I created for the San Diego City Times blog site.

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For many children in the United States, playing organized sports and having the chance to be a member of a team and participate in tournaments against other local competition contributes to a positive upbringing. These types of experiences can help build self-esteem and increase the ability to work effectively in a group, not to mention the resultant physical benefits that come from these activities.

Kids and adults with physical disabilities in San Diego are being afforded the same opportunities as those who take part in groups like AYSO soccer or other leagues, thanks to the San Diego Adaptive Sports Foundation (SDASF). Jon Richards, SDASF’s program director, explained that the organization has existed for four years and that they currently have seven competitive basketball teams.

“The DIII (adult), Varsity and Prep teams travel out-of-town for competitions, as well as host competitions,” he wrote in an email.

For those seeking a more recreational environment, SDASF offers sports such as rugby and soccer – both played on hard courts – at various times of the year. Additionally, there is an annual wheelchair sports camp, featuring anything from rugby, soccer and tennis to archery, softball and basketball.

Last year, the camp was located in Mission Bay for two days, and included water skiing, sailing and outrigger canoeing. According to Richards, they are looking to have longer seasons for what is currently offered and expand the base of sports that are available at this time.

Richards said that one of the main difficulties that SDASF faces in terms of being able to accomplish these goals was “a lack of funding.” In order to hold the various practices and tournaments, SDASF must be able to rent gym space, even for soccer and rugby, and the gym must also be able to store the athlete’s chairs. Additional cost for SDASF is factored in when considering that different sports require specific chairs for the athletes. For example, a rugby chair is more durable in order to withstand hard hits, whereas a basketball chair is designed to be more lightweight for increased maneuverability on the court.

SDASF helps athletes with these costs and to raise money, the organization is hosting a fundraiser on October 30 called the 2K Stroll & Roll for Wheelchair Sports at Liberty Station in Point Loma. According to SDASF’s website and the event’s brochure, “this event benefits our competitive and recreational wheelchair sports programs for athletes with physical disabilities” and demonstrations of rugby and basketball will be held to show donors the benefits of their contributions. The goals of the event are both to raise money and awareness about the value and excitement of wheelchair sports.

In order to obtain more information about the “Stroll & Roll,” or to find out about how to become involved with SDASF as an athlete or volunteer, visit their website or contact Jon Richards via email at jon@sdasf.org.