@State Apr 2018 - Adaptive Sports is Growing

Student-Led Initiative to Introduce Adaptive Sports is Growing

By Nidhi Desai and Dana Zambrana

adaptive sports volleyball team

Nidhi Desai and Dana Zambrana explain how they, along with other members of Aztec Adaptive Sports at SDSU, are working to create California's first collegiate-level adaptive sports program. Members of the student organization want to expand sports-related programming to drawing students and athletes to SDSU.

Only about one dozen collegiate adaptive sports programs exist in the United States, but none exist in California.

We at Aztec Adaptive Sports, a San Diego State University student organization, are working towards creating California's first collegiate-level adaptive sports program. In January, we worked with Keith Jones of ABC Medical to hold the first Adaptive Sports Showcase here on campus, spreading the word about the mission and plans to introduce adaptive sports.

Creating a program on our own campus would be beneficial for so many reasons.

Currently, many athletes in adaptive sports are faced with the tough decision of choosing between pursuing a higher education and participating in their sport. With only a few universities providing them with the opportunity to do both, they are forced to venture far from home. But, the financial burden created by the combination of out-of-state fees, the cost of college in general, and the cost of being an athlete may make this an unrealistic option for some.

About 60,000 youth athletes participate in adaptive sports in the United States and more than 3,400 live here in California. An adaptive sports program at SDSU would provide a life-changing opportunity for these athletes on the West Coast.

Many highly trained and professional athletes either live in San Diego or visit frequently as San Diego County is home to a large military population and a U.S. Olympic Training Site. The Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. serves as an Olympic and Paralympic training site. Also, within the military population are wounded veterans who could benefit from having more local recreational and competitive athletic opportunities.

Aztec Adaptive Sports is growing quickly and can provide students with connections, community and a space to learn something new every day as we educate and bring awareness to adaptive sports.

We invite you to join us.

A key component to creating a successful program is having a community of support to foster a welcoming environment. By getting involved, you can be a part of this. Those involved will be introduced to adaptive and first-hand experience with some of the sports, including wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball. Students will also be able to meet others who have the same interest and passion for making a change on campus. In the upcoming school year, we will be expanding our presence on campus while strengthening community ties through volunteering and outreach. Currently, we are involved with the Challenged Athletes Foundation, also found in San Diego, and participate in sitting volleyball games with them on a weekly basis.

About Aztec Adaptive Sports

Aztec Adaptive Sports, a student organization at San Diego State University, was founded in 2015 with the goal of ensuring that students of all levels of ability have access to recreational and elite athletic programming. Aztec Adaptive Sports is all inclusive and welcoming of students of all majors. The organization encourages any and all students interested in joining and learning about upcoming events and meetings to email [email protected]. To learn more, visit: