The Prisma Health Roger C. Peace Adaptive Sports and Wellness Center is now open at Unity Park.
The new $2.3 million facility aims to reduce inequities and barriers to fitness for people with chronic illnesses and disabilities. The center offers adaptive sports and wellness programs, including adaptive cycling on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail.
A grand opening ceremony was held for the new 9,000-square-foot facility at 159 Welborn St. on Aug. 22. Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital partnered with NOTUS Sports to build the new center.
“Our goal is to provide greater access, whether through special equipment, expertise or the activities themselves,” said Elizabeth DuBose, RCP’s associate administrator. “By adapting traditional sports, we can create an inclusive environment where everyone can participate and thrive.”
Adaptive sports have been shown to have a significant impact on patients’ lives. Preston King, for example, says adaptive yoga has helped him improve his mental clarity, resilience and positivity. King has been taking RCP classes for two years since his right leg was amputated.
“I think[adaptive yoga]is really unique in a lot of ways,” King says. “It’s not like a regular class, everyone’s doing something a little bit different. If you’re in child’s pose, your legs might break.”
The center offers outpatient physical, occupational and recreational treatment using innovative rehabilitation techniques, as well as peer support and community outreach/education programs for patients.
Prisma Health also plans to use the facility as a hub for cancer wellness and prevention programs, including cancer survival and prevention classes, support group meetings and more.
The center is funded almost entirely through community support, including a $750,000 grant from the Greenville Health Department. Prisma Health Upstate Foundation President Leon Smith said he is grateful to the organizations, foundations and individuals who made the project possible.
Adaptive Sports
Prisma Health Roger C. Peace Adaptive Sports and Wellness Center offers a variety of adaptive sports including:
Cycling (instruction and bike rental)YogaTai ChiAerobic exerciseStrength training