We are midway through the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, which showcases the world’s most talented athletes in adaptive sports. At UCLA, our athletics programs boast some of the most talented athletes in the nation and we can look to those representing our campus at the Olympic Games as proof. However, it can be easy to feel that the Paralympics or adaptive sports are more disconnected from our campus in comparison.
UCLA Recreation’s Adaptive Program Coordinator Michael Garafola is working to expand the adaptive sports landscape on campus with various adaptive sports and recreational opportunities. Past offerings include adaptive yoga, fitness and cooking, while current offerings include wheelchair tennis and the most popular adaptive sport: wheelchair basketball.
During the school year, Michael runs weekly open rec pickup games that are free of charge and open to individuals with and without disabilities. All are encouraged to come out and play! Sport wheelchairs are supplied onsite. Registration is required.
Though UCLA does not currently offer competitive adaptive sports, as the knowledge of these programs on campus grow and more students participate, we could one day see competitive adaptive sports at UCLA emerge in the same way we view the club swimming team or intramural soccer.
Bringing awareness to the adaptive sports opportunities at UCLA to help grow this phenomenal program is a goal we should all share. Just as the way to increase awareness of equity, diversity, and inclusion is to continuously discuss it, we should inject the UCLA adaptive sports offerings into our conversations with all Bruins to grow the game.
In my conversation with Michael regarding the 2024 Paralympics, he aimed to bring awareness to how we view the pipeline to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The NCAA recently adopted the slogan “Olympians made here,” but what organization produces Paralympic athletes? By growing the adaptive sports program at UCLA, the gap can be bridged and perhaps in the future UCLA could be responsible for sending athletes to both the Olympic and Paralympic games.
As we tune in to either a summer or winter Olympics every other year, we should also hold a spot on our calendars for the Paralympic games that follow. These athletes overcome barriers beyond just living with disabilities and must navigate limited access to competitive programs throughout childhood and adulthood to nurture their athletic talents.
As we enjoy the Paris Paralympic Games now through September 8, you are encouraged to think of the programs that allowed these athletes to thrive, and how we can continuously grow the conversation to best support those living with disabilities.
And drop into a Tuesday night wheelchair basketball game this fall. Wheelchairs are provided, and you might find a new perspective.
