COMMUNITY JOURNALISM: Adaptive sports offer many opportunities

CEDAR RAPIDS - The clash of metal, sounds of bouncing basketballs and cheering fans are expected to fill the air of Kirkwood College's Recreation Center on Saturday.

That's when the fifth annual Eastern Iowa Adaptive Sports Clinic will take place in Cedar Rapids. The event is sponsored by St. Luke's Hospital, Kirkwood Physical Therapist Assistant Program, SportAbility of Iowa and the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Iowa (SCIA).

The clinic's intent is to provide a fun opportunity for individuals with physical disabilities to play various sports.

Basketball players from all over the state are expected. I've watched them play and they have a passion for their sport just as any other athlete - the only difference is they play seated in a wheelchair.

Dozens of athletes and individuals who just want to have fun playing sports are invited to participate in this event. In addition to basketball, the Adaptive Sports Clinic offers sitting volleyball, hand cycling, bowling, golf and archery.

One of the players I'm looking forward to watching is 18-year-old Jayden Barrett. I have worked with Barrett for the last couple of years in my job as a physical therapist at St. Luke's Hospital. When he was 13, he was diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO). This is a central nervous system disorder, which may cause blindness, weakness or paralysis in the legs or arms.

“When I was younger I was really into sports,” Barrett said. “When I was diagnosed with NO sports started to leave my life and now thanks to this clinic and the people I've met through it, sports are coming back into my life.

“It's been life-changing for me.”

“Life-changing” for this Jefferson High School graduate after attending only one Adaptive Sports Clinic. It has opened doors he never imagined and allowed him to meet other athletes just like him.

“It was weird seeing people who couldn't walk playing basketball,” he said. “I didn't know it was possible. They let me jump into a chair and play. It was amazing. It has been nice to find other people just like me who can relate and know how I feel. I urge others to just try it you may realize it's just what you've been looking for.”

The Adaptive Sports Clinic is free and open to all. Family and friends of the athletes are welcome and equipment is provided. Last year, about 30 people participate and we're hoping to spread the word and let others know this opportunity is available.

All you have to do is be like Jayden and show up and give it a try.