Many veterans live with disabilities as a result of accidents or conditions developed due to their time in service. Military service places high physical demands on the body – due to training, combat, harsh environments, and more. Exercise is a key component in boosting our mental and physical health longterm, however. Veterans with disabilities can participate in adaptive sports, which have been modified to be inclusive of people with varied disabilities. In this blog, we'll talk about common adaptive sports, the physical and mental benefits veterans can enjoy from them, and how to get started.
Here's what veterans need to know about adaptive sports:
What are adaptive sports, and which are the most common?
Basically, adaptive sports are modified versions of sports that have been altered in order to accommodate people with physical disabilities. They're sometimes called para sports, too. Most sports can be made adaptive, which is great news for veterans who want to stay active but have a disability that requires some modification to their physical activity.
The following are the most common types of adaptive sports:
Cycling
Wheelchair basketball
Sitting volleyball
Paddling
Golf
Swimming
Tennis
Archery
Sailing
Sled hockey
Some winter sports, like skiing and snowboarding, even have special adaptive equipment that can allow folks with disabilities to enjoy both physical activities and time in nature. While this list is some of the most common, chatting with a physical therapist about your individual condition can help you navigate which adaptive sports and other physical activities are right for you.
How can adaptive sports benefit veterans mentally and physically?
Participating in adaptive sports isn't only physically beneficial – it also provides plenty of mental health support, too. The following are a few different ways (both mental and physical) that adaptive sports can help veterans:
Adaptive sports can improve physical health. Physical activity, in any form, boosts our health across the board. If you're a veteran starting a new workout program, check out this blog for tips as you get started.
Physical activity boosts mental health. Participating in adaptive sports helps mental health by boosting feel-good endorphins and more. We cover this topic in-depth in this blog.
Social connections and community. Joining an adaptive sport team or league can build a sense of community, providing veterans with company of those who understand what it's like to live with a disability. This can be massively beneficial for veterans who previously felt isolated or misunderstood in their experiences.
How can veterans get started
It might seem intimidating to get started with an adaptive sports program, but veterans who are interested in doing so can begin by connecting with any of these great resources:
VA Adaptive Sports and Arts: VA-organized events and opportunities across the nation for veterans interested in participating in adaptive sports.
Military Adaptive Sports Program (MASP): Reconditioning activities and competitive adaptive sports programs for veterans looking for rehabilitation and recovery.
Wounded Warrior Project: Modified athletic opportunities for veterans, offering special clinics and connections to local providers in your area.
Community centers near you: Depending on where you live, local community centers might offer adaptive sports programs for both veterans and civilians.
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