Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports

Connect. Move. Inspire.

The Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports program 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.

Wheelchair adaptive sports, also known as adaptive sports or parasports, enable individuals with physical disabilities to participate in modified sports. These activities offer athletes of all ages and abilities an opportunity to get in the game with fitness, strength, coordination, and a sense of achievement.

Mary Free Bed Adaptive Sports

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. Wheelchair basketball is played by both men and women, and there are national and international leagues.

Mary Free Bed Adaptive Sports

Affectionately known as “murderball,” wheelchair rugby is played with a specially designed ball that's larger and heavier than a standard rugby ball. The sport is played indoors on a basketball court and is an intense, full-contact sport.

Wheelchair Rugby

The rules of wheelchair tennis are similar to traditional tennis, but with a few modifications. This sport is governed by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and is included in the Paralympic Games.

Wheelchair Tennis

Ice sled hockey 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.

Sled Hockey

Wheelchair lacrosse is played on a roller hockey rink or box lacrosse pad using a no-bounce ball and basketball sport chairs. The sport 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.

Wheelchair Lacrosse

Goalball is a team sport designed specifically for athletes who are blind or visually impaired. In partnership with the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Mary Free Bed Sonics rely on their sense of touch and hearing to play this unique and inclusive sport.

Goalball

The Mary Free Bed Handcycling Team gets together weekly to ride at Millennium Park. Races are available each season, including local and out-of-state options. This is a great way to gain camaraderie and support when training for races or to simply enjoy group riding.

Handcycling

An exciting team sport for power wheelchair users, the game is played through drills and scrimmages. Members of the Overdrive, our power soccer team, use their own power wheelchair; other equipment is provided that can easily be attached to a power chair.

Power Soccer

Wheelchair softball is a challenging summer sport that enables athletes to competitively join in America’s Pastime. The Mary Free Bed Rollin’ Whitecaps wheelchair softball team is registered with the National Wheelchair Softball Association. The team participates in the Wheelchair Softball World Series and other monthly tournaments.

Wheelchair Softball

Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports at Mary Free Bed

Classes + Clinics

Hundreds of children and adults with limited mobility participate in classes and clinics offered by Mary Free Bed’s Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports Program.

Volunteer Opportunities

We’re always looking for passionate volunteers! Many sports clinics and teams need volunteers to help with a variety of activities, from coaching and teaching to greeting, registration, event planning and support, player and equipment assistance, foodservice, and more!
Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports.

Adaptive Sports Grant Programs

Challenged Athletes Foundation

Inpatient physical therapy is ideal for those recovering from complex illnesses and injuries, focusing on improving mobility to transition safely to outpatient rehabilitation or return home. Outpatient physical therapy is available for individuals who have completed an inpatient program or need rehabilitation for conditions such as:

Kelly Brush Foundation

Individual Grant Program awards grants to individuals with paralysis due to a spinal cord injury (SCI). The purpose of the individual grant program is to increase participation in adaptive sports and recreation activities and improve the quality of life for individuals living with SCI.

Move United

Providing funding in three main areas (Youth, Military, and Training/Education), Disabled Sports USA distributes close to $1M in cash grants to its chapters for adaptive sports equipment.

High Fives Foundation

The Empowerment Fund provides resources and inspiration to those who suffer a life-altering injury such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputation or other mobility-limiting injuries that occurred in an athlete’s lifetime. Grants are specific to four grant application areas.

IM ABLE Foundation

IM ABLE Grants are awarded to disabled individuals, providing hand-cycles and other adaptive athletic gear, as well as instructional training programs for those in need. Our purpose is to unleash the potential in physically challenged children and adults to be more active, enjoy the benefits of physical fitness, and spend more time in the great outdoors.

Semper Fi & America's Fund

Provides relief for financial needs that arise during hospitalization and recovery as well as assistance for those with perpetuating needs in a variety of ways including Service Member and Family Support, Specialized & Adaptive Equipment, Adaptive Housing, Adaptive Transportation, Education and Career Transition Assistance, PTS and TBI Support, Team Semper Fi, and America’s Fund.

The Lee Montgomery Athlete Assistance Fund

The Lee Montgomery Athlete Assistance Fund (LMAAF), established in 2022 by the generosity of The Meijer Foundation, seeks to support and empower athletes with physical disabilities who are training competitively in adaptive sports and looking to take their game to the next level.

Our Impact

Adaptive sports profoundly transform the lives of athletes with physical disabilities. These activities not only provide a platform for competition and achievement but also significantly boost self-esteem and confidence. Athletes experience a deep sense of camaraderie and community, forging meaningful connections with peers. By overcoming physical and psychological challenges through adaptive sports, individuals enhance their overall quality of life, proving that limitations can be surpassed with determination and support.

Learn more about the impact our program makes.