Photos: Adaptive sports clinic shows what’s possible

The event, hosted by Linn County Public Health, introduced attendees to sports that are modified or specifically designed for participants with various physical, sensory or cognitive disabilities.

Elizabeth Wood

Sep. 1, 2025 10:21 am

Can Play Executive Director Melissa Clarke-Wharff helps Myles Hill, 5, swing a hoop around their arm during the Adaptive Sports and Recreation & Inclusive Wellness Clinic at Guthridge Park in Hiawatha on Saturday. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

Chain Reaction Bike Hub volunteer Cat Whitaker tries out an all-terrain wheelchair from the Indian Creek Nature Center during the Adaptive Sports and Recreation & Inclusive Wellness Clinic at Guthridge Park in Hiawatha on Saturday. Indian Creek Nature Center employees said they have three all-terrain wheelchairs available for anyone with mobility issues to use. They have both adult and child-sized wheelchairs, and they are free to use. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

Michael Bell helps his son, Miles Bell, 2, play bucket golf during the Adaptive Sports and Recreation & Inclusive Wellness Clinic at Guthridge Park in Hiawatha on Saturday. Bucket golf was hosted by the Iowa Adaptive Golf Association, an organization that hosts golf tournaments for individuals with disabilities. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

Alivia Smith throws a weighted ball for “superhero training” with Can Play Executive Director Melissa Clarke-Wharff during the Adaptive Sports and Recreation & Inclusive Wellness Clinic at Guthridge Park in Hiawatha on Saturday. Clarke-Wharff said Can Play adapts to each person’s abilities. “We’re showing that you can play any activity or sport, but we adapt the pace and style of play, and work with what they have,” Clarke-Wharff said. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

Kristy Knight participates in Yenko’s Zumba class during the Adaptive Sports and Recreation & Inclusive Wellness Clinic at Guthridge Park in Hiawatha on Saturday. Yenko’s Zumba class was led by Yanko Zumba wellness Coach Doris Agyemang. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

Linn County Public Health occupational therapist DoniRea Mayhew (left) talks to Karla Doty (right) and Don Mayhew during the Adaptive Sports and Recreation & Inclusive Wellness Clinic at Guthridge Park in Hiawatha on Saturday. DoniRea said this is the first time they have hosted a clinic, and with how well it went they hope to host more through the year. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

Silas Supple-Grimm, 13, throws a mini basketball into buckets during the Adaptive Sports and Recreation & Inclusive Wellness Clinic at Guthridge Park in Hiawatha on Saturday. Linn County Public Health occupational therapist DoniRea Mayhew said she decided to host the clinic after noticing that many of her clients and community members were unaware of inclusive activities available in the area. “I feel like there is a need in this area because there aren’t a lot of people who know what’s going on in this area, so it seemed like an opportunity for me to find help and fill that need for the community and individuals with disabilities,” Mayhew said. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

Can Play Executive Director Melissa Clarke-Wharff cheers on Alivia Smith as she swings hoops on her arms during the Adaptive Sports and Recreation & Inclusive Wellness Clinic at Guthridge Park in Hiawatha on Saturday. Clarke-Wharff said she's seen participants in Can Play build confidence in themselves. "A lot of kids do a lot of different therapies, and we're just enhancing what they're doing therapeutically," Clarke-Wharff said. "Then, showing them they can play. Working on how to bounce a ball or dribble a basketball, maybe we can show them a different way to do that." (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

Connor Frankeneerg, 12, pets therapy dog Fannie Mae during the Adaptive Sports and Recreation & Inclusive Wellness Clinic at Guthridge Park in Hiawatha on Saturday. Frankeneerg’s grandma, Joy McCormick, said they enjoyed learning about all the options for inclusive events and sports while they were at the clinic. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)

Yanko Zumba wellness Coach Doris Agyemang leads a Zumba class during the Adaptive Sports and Recreation & Inclusive Wellness Clinic at Guthridge Park in Hiawatha on Saturday. Agyemang said Yanko will be hosting a multicultural festival in Lowe Park on September 7. (Elizabeth Wood/The Gazette)