Adaptive sports are competitive or recreational sports available to those with disabilities or challenges. Often modifications are necessary to be fully inclusive of all.

Cara Peterson, President and CEO of Liberty Athletic Club, shared information on their free, new adaptive sports programs.

“Liberty Athletic Club is pleased to offer Adaptive Basketball and Adaptive Tennis classes,” Peterson said.

Adaptive Basketball and Adaptive Tennis are both free of charge and are open to adults and children (ages 9 and up) with disabilities. Both Liberty members and members of the community are welcome to register.

Liberty Adaptive Basketball

According to Peterson, Liberty’s Fitness Manager and Personal Trainer Andrew Kearney leads Adaptive Basketball classes for players ages 9 and up.

“Adaptive Basketball focuses on eight 90-second stations based on developing hand-eye coordination, shooting skills and footwork skills that directly correlate to basketball,” Kearney said. Kearney typically has a minimum of one volunteer per player and tailors each station to the ability of the student.

Classes meet on Liberty’s basketball court from 6-6:45pm, one Friday a month. Upcoming classes will be held on the following dates: Friday, March 15; Friday, April 19; and Friday, May 17.

Liberty Adaptive Tennis

Liberty’s Head Tennis Professional, Dean Boodakian, leads Adaptive Tennis classes for players ages 9 and up.

“Adaptive Tennis focuses on a multitude of 90-second stations based on developing hand-eye coordination and footwork skills that directly correlate to tennis,” Boodakian said. Boodakian has a minimum of one volunteer per player and tailors each station to the ability of the student. He wraps up each session by challenging the players to hit volleys and groundstrokes.

Classes meet on Liberty’s tennis courts from 6-6:45pm, one Friday a month. Upcoming classes will be held on the following dates: Friday, March 8, 2024; Friday, April 12, 2024; and Friday, May 10, 2024.

Liberty members may register for adaptive basketball and adaptive tennis online or through the Liberty mobile app. Non-members/community members may register by calling the Liberty Athletic Club Front Desk at 734-665-3738, ext. 110.

“Typically, the volunteers are members, employees, and/or affiliated with the Liberty community. We are extremely grateful for the enthusiasm and support from the volunteers” Peterson said.

Liberty has been offering Adaptive Tennis for approximately two years. Adaptive Basketball began in the Fall of 2023.

Other adaptive sports programs

The University of Michigan has an Adaptive Sports and Fitness Program, open to both UM students and the community. Ann Arbor Rec & Ed also offers adaptive programs. Selections vary depending on the season. There is also Special Olympics in the Washtenaw County area.

The University of Michigan Adaptive Sports and Fitness

According to this adaptive sports program’s website,“Our program aims to increase awareness about, knowledge of, access to, and participation in adaptive sports and fitness among people with and without disabilities at the University of Michigan and in the greater Ann Arbor community.”

Currently on their calendar is listed “Drop-in Tennis” on Mondays from 6-8pm at Varsity Tennis Center.

Ann Arbor Public School Community Education and Recreation

According to the Rec and Ed website, online registration of the “Adapted Program” began February 20.