MSU celebrates and recognizes October as Disability Pride Month. The Department of Communication, Sciences and Disorders (CSD) collaborated with the Adaptive Sports Association. and recreation The club held an event called Adaptive Sports Day on Saturday, October 5th.
People were participating in sports at the event Wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, wheelchair pickleball, etc.
The event aimed to promote awareness and understanding of adaptive sports and demonstrated how these activities can foster friendships and community. Participants were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, engage in physical activity, and experience first-hand adaptive techniques that make sport accessible to everyone.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap between able-bodied and disabled students on campus,” said Rebecca Batu, Dean of Adaptive Sports and a pre-law political science senior. Ta. “We want them to feel like they have an opportunity to connect through this. And it’s like they understand, ‘Oh, this is so much fun.’ They have something to bond with. Not only does it make them feel like they’re a part of something here at MSU, but it makes them more aware of the world around them.”
One form of adaptive sport on campus is Trusketball, where students use trash cans instead of hoops. The students were divided into teams and competed against each other on October 5, 2024. Adaptive Recreation is a program through MSU Recreation Sports that gives everyone the opportunity to play team sports such as basketball, pickleball, and volleyball.
—(Author) Photo by Campbell Berg State News
Batu is legally blind, so the Adaptive Sports & Recreation Club means a lot to her.
“I was born with a congenital condition and glaucoma, so I am legally blind,” Batu said. “Playing these sports is actually quite challenging for me, but I always have a lot of fun playing these sports and meeting new people in the process.”
At the event, participants used sports wheelchairs that were constructed differently from typical hospital wheelchairs or day use wheelchairs. The wheels are tilted to the right, allowing for quick rotation. The back of the chair has a fall prevention mechanism.
Adaptive sports programs encourage participation and community building and provide many opportunities for participation and fitness.
“We always do different sports,” said adaptive sports instructor Piotr Pasik. “We just started a wheelchair basketball team last year. Last year we played against UofM and then we played against St. Clair County Community College. We do a halftime show during the women’s game at Breslin. I We’re always doing something and we really want more students with disabilities to know about this because it’s a great opportunity to engage in a healthier lifestyle.”
On October 5, 2024, two teams compete during an Adaptive Recreation Day Trashketball game. Adaptive Recreation is a program through MSU Recreation Sports that provides everyone with the opportunity to play team sports such as basketball, pickleball, and volleyball.
—(Author) Photo by Campbell Berg State News
The Adaptive Sports and Recreation Club celebrated its 10th anniversary on September 2nd. The club has grown considerably over the last 10 years.
“I was born with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disease that affects muscles and balance. I didn’t have the opportunity to play sports or exercise as a child, so I decided to do something… I wanted to do it,” Pasik said. In this regard, just as able-bodied students in various sports clubs are able to travel across the country and world for competitions, students with disabilities on campus should also have access to such opportunities. Masu. ”
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