{"id":209,"date":"2020-01-08T16:09:45","date_gmt":"2020-01-08T16:09:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/maryfreebed-rebrand.local\/?post_type=services&p=209"},"modified":"2026-03-04T20:36:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T20:36:32","slug":"wheelchair-adaptive-sports","status":"publish","type":"services","link":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/services\/wheelchair-adaptive-sports\/","title":{"rendered":"Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":47,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":""},"tags":[],"modal_window":[17,405,16],"class_list":["post-209","services","type-services","status-publish","hentry","modal_window-home-conditions-services","modal_window-kids-nav-conditions-and-services","modal_window-kids-conditions-services"],"acf":{"kids_branding":true,"title_override":"","individual_page_toggle":true,"body_sections":[{"acf_fc_layout":"center_callout","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"content":"

Connect. Move. Inspire.<\/h2>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"heading_and_large_text","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"heading":"","large_text":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"video_row","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"video_row":{"vid_holder":{"youtube_id":"dc0m99qdYjY","image":104883},"text_holder":{"subtitle":"","title":"","content":"Enjoy the exhilaration of physical competition. Experience the intensity and focus that comes from challenging your body and mind.\r\n\r\nMary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports is one of the largest programs of its kind in the United States. Every year we offer enriching recreational opportunities to hundreds of people with disabilities of all ages. \r\n\r\nWe'll help you find the rush you're looking for.\u00a0\r\n\r\nThanks to the generosity of donors, our programs are available to the community. To learn how you can help, email Laura Dulay, Mary Free Bed Foundation Development Director, at laura.dulay@maryfreebed.com.\u00a0\r\n","button":{"title":"Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports 2025 Impact Report\u00a0","url":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WAS_115_Brochure_ImpactReport_12_25_Web.pdf","target":"_blank"}}}},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion_group","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"text_holder":{"heading":"Wheelchair Adaptive Sports","content":"

What is Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports?<\/h2>\r\nWheelchair adaptive sports, also known as adaptive sports or parasports, are sports that have been modified to allow individuals with physical disabilities to participate. Wheelchair adaptive sports can be beneficial for individuals with physical disabilities in a number of ways, and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital strongly supports wheelchair adaptive sports. They can help improve physical fitness, strength, and coordination. They can also provide a sense of achievement, boost self-esteem and confidence, and promote socialization and a sense of community. Additionally, participating in adaptive sports can help individuals with disabilities to overcome the physical and psychological challenges that may come with their condition and improve their overall quality of life. These sports are designed to be inclusive and provide the same level of competition and enjoyment for individuals using wheelchairs as for those who do not.\r\n

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Pediatric Wheelchair Adaptive Sports at Mary Free Bed Kids<\/h2>\r\nParticipation in sports, recreation and physical activity is a key part of childhood and adolescence \u2014 contributing not only to strength and mobility but also confidence, social connection, teamwork and joy. For children and teens who use wheelchairs, adaptive sports unlock opportunities that might feel out of reach. At Mary Free Bed Kids, our Pediatric Wheelchair Adaptive Sports program empowers young athletes with mobility devices, expert coaching, tailored training and supportive community so they can reach their full potential.\r\n\r\nWe believe a wheelchair should not limit the playing field \u2014 it should redefine it. Our pediatric\u2011specific adaptive sports program integrates expert rehabilitation, custom equipment, coaching and peer support, helping children and teens age 18 and younger build fitness, skills, friendships, opportunity and lifelong habits of active living.\r\n

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Why Adaptive Sports Matter for Kids in Wheelchairs<\/h2>\r\nAdaptive sports provide accelerated physical benefits by improving cardiovascular health, muscle strength, endurance and coordination. These gains help reduce secondary complications such as fatigue, deconditioning and posture challenges.\r\n\r\nSocial and emotional gains include increased confidence, identity formation, reduced isolation and meaningful friendships. Participation fosters leadership, resilience and belonging.\r\n\r\nAdaptive sports introduce long\u2011term health habits, supporting lifelong activity and participation. For children who use wheelchairs, these opportunities promote independence, motivation and personal growth.\r\n

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Conditions and Participation Opportunities<\/h2>\r\nOur program welcomes children and teens who use manual or power wheelchairs, have spinal cord injuries,<\/a> spina bifida, cerebral palsy<\/a>, limb differences<\/a>, muscular dystrophy or other neuromuscular conditions. We support beginners discovering adaptive sports as well as advanced youth competing in community leagues, collegiate sports or Paralympic pathways.\r\n

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Program Components and Services<\/h2>\r\nEvaluation and Equipment<\/strong>\r\n\r\nWe begin with a full assessment of mobility, strength, endurance, goals and sports interest. Our team collaborates on choosing or customizing the right adaptive sports chair or equipment.\r\n\r\nSport\u2011Specific Training<\/strong>\r\n\r\nChildren join training sessions for wheelchair basketball, tennis, rugby, hand\u2011cycling, adaptive track and field, and more. Coaches focus on skill development, strategy, conditioning and safety.\r\n\r\nTeam and Individual Participation<\/strong>\r\n\r\nYouth participate in practices, clinics, tournaments and individual training. We help integrate athletes into school\u2011based adaptive programs or community leagues.\r\n\r\nFunctional Skill Integration<\/strong>\r\n\r\nSports training strengthens everyday mobility skills like transfers, propulsion, and community navigation.\r\n\r\nFamily and Peer Engagement<\/strong>\r\n\r\nFamilies join events, clinics and mentorship opportunities to build community and support each child\u2019s athletic journey.\r\n

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What Makes Mary Free Bed Kids Adaptive Sports Unique<\/h2>\r\nOur pediatric\u2011focused team understands growth, development, school involvement and play. We use advanced adaptive equipment customized for children, offer integrated rehabilitation support and connect athletes with opportunities for competition or recreation.\r\n\r\nOur outcome\u2011driven approach tracks participation, endurance, mobility gains, social engagement and confidence, ensuring meaningful progress across settings.\r\n

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Success Stories and Real\u2011World Impact<\/h2>\r\nMany children discover new strengths, friendships and confidence through adaptive sports. Improved endurance, better community navigation, stronger social skills and enhanced mood are commonly reported outcomes. Some athletes progress to competitive leagues or national\u2011level events, while others find joy in recreational participation and physical fitness.\r\n

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Getting Started<\/h2>\r\nStep 1: Referral or self\u2011initiation\r\n\r\nStep 2: Initial assessment\r\n\r\nStep 3: Equipment selection and training\r\n\r\nStep 4: Practice and clinic entry\r\n\r\nStep 5: Team integration or competition\r\n\r\nStep 6: Ongoing monitoring and progression\r\n

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Overcoming Barriers and Supporting Families<\/h2>\r\nWe assist families with insurance, funding, equipment trialing, travel logistics and access to peer support. Clinics and camps help children explore new sports and build community connections.\r\n

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Schedule Pediatric Wheelchair Adaptive Sports<\/h2>\r\nYour child deserves the chance to play, compete and thrive. Schedule an evaluation with our adaptive sports team today and let us help your child discover new possibilities, confidence and independence."},"accordion_item":[{"accordion_title":"Wheelchair Basketball","accordion_content":"One of the most popular adaptive sports is wheelchair basketball. This sport is very similar to traditional basketball, but with a few modifications to accommodate players in wheelchairs. The playing court and baskets are the same size, but the game is played with a smaller ball and there are different rules for how players in wheelchairs can move and pass the ball. Wheelchair basketball is played by both men and women, and there are national and international leagues, including the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) in the United States and the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) for international competition."},{"accordion_title":"Wheelchair Rugby","accordion_content":"Another popular adaptive sport is wheelchair rugby. This sport, also affectionately known as \"murderball,\" is played with a specially designed ball that is larger and heavier than a standard rugby ball. The sport is played indoors on a basketball court and is a full-contact sport, with players in wheelchairs colliding with each other in order to advance the ball down the court. This sport is governed by the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF), which oversees national and international competitions, including the Paralympic Games."},{"accordion_title":"Wheelchair Tennis","accordion_content":"Wheelchair tennis is another sport that has been adapted for individuals in wheelchairs. The rules of the game are similar to traditional tennis, but with a few modifications. Players are allowed two bounces before they must hit the ball, and the court is smaller. This sport is governed by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and is included in the Paralympic Games."},{"accordion_title":"Sled Hockey","accordion_content":"Adaptive sports also include ice sled hockey, which is a version of ice hockey played by individuals in wheelchairs who use a specialized sled to move on the ice. The sled has two blades on the bottom to allow the player to move around the rink, and the player propels themselves forward using two sticks with picks on the end. This sport is governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and is included in the Paralympic Games."},{"accordion_title":"Wheelchair Lacrosse ","accordion_content":"Wheelchair Lacrosse is played on a roller hockey rink or box lacrosse pad using a no-bounce ball and basketball sport chairs. <\/span>The sport<\/span> provides an opportunity for those with physical disabilities and able-bodied athletes to play on the same team. Wheelchair lacrosse is a popular choice for sled hockey and wheelchair basketball athletes.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>"}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"content_editor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_with_2-column","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"text_holder":{"heading":"\u00a0We're grateful to our sponsors:","content":""},"left_column":{"heading":"","image":"","content":"