Game On!
Here's what we did in 2018. Stay tuned for 2019!
Please check back three months
before the Expo for the new schedule.
It’s no secret that physical activity is essential to good health regardless of whether or not you have a disability. Adaptive sports are focused on cultivating a person’s ability and provide enjoyable, yet therapeutic, activities in a non-treatment setting.
Abilities Expo is honored to present a variety of interactive, health-enhancing, confidence-building adaptive sports. Come and test your skills and expand your experiences at the following fun events.
Adaptive Climbing Wall
Presented by: Mark Wellman, Adventure Athlete, Paralympian, No Limits Tahoe
Sponsored by: Coloplast
Location: Booth #1029 (Next to Workshop)
Adaptive climbing is a sport that is open to people of all abilities! It's not just for experienced athletes. There is no better person to learn adaptive climbing from than Mark Wellman of No Limits. Mark has SCI and is an adventure athlete, speaker and author. Come climb the wall using Mark's innovative adaptive climbing techniques and adaptive sports gear! Climbing has tremendous benefits - building confidence, developing goal-setting skills, increasing strength, and improving flexibility. And it's fun! Mark is a former Paralympian and Park Ranger, and he is the first paraplegic to summit El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. He dedicates his time to improving the quality of life for adults and children with disabilities including disabled war veterans.
Learn more: www.nolimitstahoe.com
Roll with the Wind: Ride-Along Race Experience
Presented by: Ainsley's Angels of America
Location: Booth #126
Test drive the Ainsley's Angels athletic ride-along experience! Created for anyone who would otherwise not be able to experience endurance events, Ainsley's Angels creates "Angel Teams" by pairing Athlete-riders with runners to compete in endurance events and road races. The Athlete rider is the core of the team and pulls the runner across the finish line with smiles, cheers and immeasurable inspirational spirit. Be sure to visit the Ainsley's Angels of America booth to sign up to experience the thrill TODAY! First-person-first-served. A limited number of race experience times are available on each day of the Expo.
Learn more: www.ainsleysangels.org
3:00pm – 3:30pm
Martial Arts Therapy Demonstration
Presented by Rabbi Sensei Gary Moskowitz, Martial Arts Therapy
Location: Events Arena
Martial Arts Therapy offers emotional and spiritual support to children with disabilities or battling illness, and helps them to take an active role and become a partner in their own healing process. Students learn pain management, physical rehabilitation skills, and deep relaxation techniques. The program offers children a chance to play, laugh, make friends and enjoy life.
Adaptive Golf
Presented by: Gianna Rojas, The One Handed Lady Golfer, Founder, Adaptivegolfers.org
Location: Events Arena
Golf is one of the most adaptable sports. Just about anyone, regardless of age or ability level, can play! Golf is adapted to various disabilities using the existing handicap system and adaptive devices. Discover the adaptive nature of sport at this demo. Enjoy hitting some balls, see adaptive equipment, and learn about golf's many benefits. Find out where you can play more in the region.
Learn more: www.adaptivegolfers.org
Quad Rugby Demonstration
Presented by: The New York Warriors Wheelchair Rugby Team
Location: Events Arena
Competitive wheelchair rugby is one of the fastest growing wheelchair sports in the world. The New York Warriors will join us to demonstrate this exciting game - a cross between wheelchair basketball, ice hockey, and soccer. The main message of quad rugby is "Smashing Stereotypes One Hit at a Time" and the sport has proven to be a life changer for those who start playing it. Find out more at this demo and learn about opportunities to get involved for yourself.
Learn more: Follow the team at www.facebook.com/New-York-Warriors-Wheelchair-Rugby-
270018769793100/
Power Wheelchair Floor Hockey
Location: Events Arena
Power Hockey is essentially floor hockey for power wheelchair users. The sport follows the rules and regulations of the United States Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association (USEWHA) and is open to all competent power wheelchair users. The Philadelphia Flyers Powerplay team is made up of about 30 players with various disabilities including Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, and Spinal Chord Injuries. There are no age restrictions and both male and female participants are welcome! Come watch a demo game, meet the players, families and see how they play!
Learn more: www.philadelphiapowerplay.com
Adapted Wheelchair Basketball
Presented by: Joseph Slaninka, Henry Viscardi School Wheelchair Basketball Program
Location: Events Arena
Children of all physical disabilities and ages are encouraged to enjoy this chance to have fun and learn new skills at this inclusive program. Both manual and powered wheelchair users are welcome to play and hoops of modified heights are used. Try skills and drills, shooting, and some competitive play. The program builds good sportsmanship and teamwork, heightens self-esteem and encourages individuality.
Learn more at www.henryviscardischool.org/for-students/clubs-and-activities/