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2019-20 Paralympic Sports SeasonDisabled Sports are sports played by people with disabilities, most of which are based on traditional sports that have been modified to meet the needs of persons with a disability. Not all disabled sports are modified; several sports have been specifically created for persons with disabilities and have no equivalent in able-bodied sports. This program has been developed using the Paralympics as a model for competition.
Disabled Sports & Higher Education
There are over 15 universities offering opportunities and scholarships in disabled sports across the country. Additionally, the Eastern College Athletic Conference is increasing scholarships for student athletes with physical disabilities in 8 sports, several of which were previously unavailable in NCAA Division 1.
The Paralympic Model
This model focuses on sports development from the local competitive level all the way to the internationally elite. This program offers skills comparable to those an able bodied athlete would receive from their school-based basketball and soccer teams. While the ultimate goal of each athlete is set personally, this model allows them to access the training and development to pursue their goals into college, regional, national, and international competition if that is their desired goal.
Participation is open to secondary students free of charge. PE credit can be earned by applying for Credit by Choice with the curriculum principal before the season begins.
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Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair basketball is a fast paced high energy sport played competitively around the world. This sport shares most of the major rules and scoring of basketball, and maintains a 10-foot basketball hoop and standard basketball court. The exceptions are rules which have been modified with consideration for the manual wheelchair.
Sport wheelchairs are available in limited sizes.
Season information:
Who: Middle and high school students
When: Monday-Friday, 4-6 p.m., Nov. 11 - Dec. 3, 2019
Where: Service High School Gym
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Power Soccer
Power Soccer is designed and developed for power wheelchair users. Power Soccer combines the skill of the wheelchair user with the speed and power of the chair to participate in an extremely challenging game similar to soccer. The game is played in a gymnasium on a regulation basketball court.
Power Soccer is a non-contact sport and uses "guards" that temporarily attach to the front of the power chair. These guards allow players to "kick" and "handle" the ball in much the same way traditional soccer players do. Soccer guards will be provided for all team members.
Season information:
Who: Middle and high school students
When: April - May 2020 (dates TBD)
Where: Service High School Gym
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Q. Can I earn physical education credit from this program?
A. Yes. Participation in the Paralympic Sport program can earn alternative PE Credit. You must apply for “credit by choice” with your curriculum principal before the season begins.
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Q. What if my child doesn't use a wheelchair?
A. Most people are surprised to learn that many of the kids involved in disabled sports don't use wheelchairs except to play Paralympic sports. Non-wheelchair users only use a wheelchair to allow them to play a sport in which they would otherwise be unable to participate. It does not teach dependence or promote use of wheelchairs; it levels the playing field (similar to specialized running shoes do for track runners) and promotes teamwork, fitness, and sportsmanship as do all sports.
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Q. What if we don't have any of the equipment?
A. The equipment necessary for participation in wheelchair basketball and power soccer is provided, with the exception of power chairs, as part of the program.
