ADAPTIVE SPORTS & ADVENTURE PROGRAM

The Adaptive Sports and Adventure Program (ASAP) was created to address the functional and therapeutic needs of Carolinas Rehabilitation in/outpatients through sports, recreation and outdoor adventures. It is also the vision of ASAP to extend the rehab process beyond in/outpatient stays and to integrate Carolinas Rehabilitation patients in ongoing community events and programming. The program allows physically challenged youth and adults to develop their skills related to leisure while enhancing an active and productive lifestyle, one without barriers and limits.

Team Sports
Utilizes community facilities and occurs once per week in season. These sports are as follows:

• Wheelchair Rugby
• Wheelchair Basketball
• Gary Workman Tennis
• Power Soccer
• Track and Field

• Water Skiing
• Sailing
• Kayaking
• Snow Skiing
• Handcycling

Winners on Wheels Scout Troop
Winners on Wheels is a national organization like Boy/Girl Scouts of America where kid's with mobility impairments work on various badges and projects. The mission of the group is to empower children in wheelchairs to be all they can be. Challenging them to reframe their environment and to confidently contribute to their community and world. ASAP's group meets every other week throughout the school year and attends various sports clinics and events year round. Youth ages five to twelve invited to join.

Educational and Awareness Clinics
This monthly program is implemented in the school system reaching large numbers of able-bodied and physically challenged youth. The sports awareness clinic team addresses kids in a motivating and enlightening mode to make youth more aware of persons with unique needs related to sports and recreation as well as delivering a powerful message about doing your best in school, and never quitting. Local Carolinas Rehabilitation wheelchair athletes also display their skills and the latest technology which allows them to be active. The clinic encourages participation while generating numerous appropriate questions.

Funding Support
ASAP sponsors fundraising projects throughout the year to help offset costs to participants and to purchase sports equipment. Fundraisers are also held to keep fees to a minimum and to offer scholarships for those in need. The annual "Cycle to the Sea" event is one of the ways ASAP raises much needed funds along with car washes, employee cookouts, raffles and school exhibition games. The program also relies on the generosity of individuals and corporations who share our vision of empowering those with physical limitations the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Volunteer Opportunities
Although anyone can become a volunteer, many are physically challenged athletes themselves and serve as great role models to younger athletes. These mentors volunteer their time to help children with physical limitations understand that they too can reach their goals and be active and enjoy life to the fullest.

For more informaton about ASAP programs or to become a volunteer please call 704-355-1062 or email asap@carolinashealthcare.org.