Adaptive Sports and Support Groups
The Adaptive Sports and Support Groups (ASSG) has been helping adults and children participate in adaptive sports for over two decades. We help our community develop skills and overcome challenges so they can participate in sports, recreation, and lead healthy lifestyles.
Our program serves hundreds of people across the Southeast. We offer competitive avenues and community involvement for adaptive participants — and we’re one of the only programs of our kind in the Carolinas.
Adaptive Sports & Adventures Program
Who We Serve
ASAP participants have a variety of physical challenges, including but not limited to:
Brian Finds a New Cause
After a spinal stroke left Brian paralyzed, he regained his strength and independence with the help of occupational and physical therapists at Carolinas Rehabilitation. Now, he helps others with spinal cord injuries through peer mentoring and adaptive sports fundraising events.
Read Brian's StoryAdaptive Sports and Adventures in Charlotte, NC
Our office is located within the Carolinas Rehabilitation facility in Charlotte, NC, but we’re a community-based program. We partner with other organizations across the Carolinas to provide adaptive opportunities related to sports and adventures. We support participants by:
- Helping you find a sport: ASAP will help you find a sport to enjoy. We’ve taught hundreds of people how to hit a backhand, ski through the mountains, and cycle with their arms.
- Giving you a competitive edge: If you’re an athlete looking for a competitive edge, you’ll be in good company. You’ll get to meet and train with nationally ranked skiers, curlers, cyclists, tennis and rugby players.
- Loaning equipment: Through fundraising efforts and grants, we’ve purchased adaptive sports equipment. We’re happy to loan you our equipment as you learn a new sport, giving you a chance to go on a bike ride with your family or play tennis with friends.
- Fundraising activities through sports: ASAP relies solely on our fundraising efforts to sustain the program. During one of our fundraisers, Cycle to the Sea, our athletes cycle on handcycles or tandem bikes, covering more than 180 miles from Monroe, NC to North Myrtle Beach. We pair veteran riders with new riders to build camaraderie throughout the trek. Our other fundraisers include a tennis tournament and triathlon for kids. Click here to donate to ASAP.
- Connecting you with a new community: A debilitating injury or illness can impact your whole identity. But when you’re with us and fellow athletes, you’re not alone. You’ll meet people who inspire you, improve your self-confidence and help you identify new opportunities.
Adaptive Sports We Offer
We offer a wide variety of competitive and recreational adaptive sports including:
- Archery
- Air Rifle
- Curling
- Deer hunting
- Hand-cycling
- Kayaking
- Rugby
- Snow Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Youth triathlons (Levine JCC Kids Triathlon)
- Water Skiing
Our Team
In addition to cheering you on, our expert team is here to tend to your needs, on and off the field. Our team includes:
- Recreational therapists who are dedicated to improving or maintaining your physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual wellness.
- Assistive technology professional who assists and specializes in adaptive equipment, positioning, and seating.