Impact of Inclusive Sports

There’s no doubt that physical activity is beneficial for everyone, but options for sports, or knowing how to get involved, can be tricky for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While there has been a lack of options in the past, more programs for adaptive sports are emerging where individuals with I/DD can not only thrive but also play sports beyond specialized programs.

We all know the Special Olympics and the amazing strides they’ve made for athletes with disabilities on a worldwide scale- but where can you find adaptive sports at a local level?

Adaptive Sports Ohio has a large selection of adaptive sports for those with disabilities from power wheelchair soccer, sled hockey, wheelchair football, rugby and more. Created in 2007, with a focus on providing youth with disabilities an avenue to build confidence through sports. Their goal is to provide children with the same exposure to the sport, as a motivation for them to pursue whatever their goals may be.

For those with I/DD, Buddy Up for Life headquartered in New Albany is one organization impacting lives by providing adaptive sports for individuals with Down syndrome. They started the first adaptive tennis program for those with I/DD and have now expanded to pickleball, virtual Zumba, fitness classes and more.

Beth Gibson, Buddy Up for Life founder said, “Back in 2008, in the world of adaptive sports, at least in the tennis industry, you were either in a wheelchair or you couldn’t afford to play tennis. There weren’t a lot of adaptive programs out there, especially designed for individuals with Down syndrome. We really took the bull by the horns and created our own program to provide opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome... Some of our athletes, like Will, are playing with the New Albany High School football team. He’s on the high school tennis team. So, where we’ve gone in the past 16 years is incredible.”

While sports definitely increase your physical health, they are also extremely beneficial for fostering a community. Buddy Ball of Grove City is an organization providing opportunities for all people to play baseball while also providing volunteer and sponsorship opportunities.

“I started volunteering in buddy ball and I have not missed a game since. I don’t miss a season at all. The excitement to watch the individuals play and the relationships we build. The first game of every season is like a reunion having everyone see each other again...The Grove City community has really embraced the Buddy Ball organization,” says Tracy Reddy, a volunteer at Buddy Ball and Boundless residential operations manager.

Tracy’s stepson, who is nonverbal autistic, has really thrived through the Buddy Ball program.

“Watching him develop his physical movement, and work on his gross and fine motor skills that are involved and watching him just overall enjoying it has been phenomenal.”

Gibson adds that sports help individuals with I/DD more than we give them credit for. “It’s really fun to see the growth of our athletes. When someone is 18 years old and has been nonverbal and is now communicating, it’s life-changing not only to the parents but the child.”