Playing sports can improve fitness, reduce stress, and build self-esteem. Wheelchair sports are accessible activities that are tailored for people who need the use of mobility devices.

With these activities and the right wheelchair, you can get active and have fun.

Want to know more about wheelchair sports? Our mobility scooter professionals in Blacksburg talk about what sports are becoming more and more inclusive in the Blacksburg area and around the world.

Wheelchair Sports

The benefits of playing sports isn’t for non-disabled people only. After all, those who need the assistance of a mobility device need exercise just like everyone else, and let’s face it, sports are a lot of fun.

With this in mind, many organizations are promoting more inclusivity than ever before.

Many sports practice inclusion and have adapted their rules for wheelchair accessibility. With so much variety to choose from, here are a few examples of well-established wheelchair sports.

Wheelchair Basketball

Wheelchair basketball was founded in 1946, and it is currently the most popular wheelchair sport. People with disabilities can play wheelchair basketball at many different levels. You can play pick-up wheelchair basketball around Blacksburg, or you can make it to the Paralympics.

Most of the rules for wheelchair basketball are the same as able-bodied basketball. However, a few of them have been adapted for players who use wheelchairs.

For example, traveling is different in wheelchair basketball. Referees call traveling when a player touches their wheels more than once after receiving the basketball.

Wheelchair Racing

Like running racing, wheelchair racing takes place on either a track or a road. There are several different events in wheelchair racing.

These events include sprint distance races like the 100-meter race, the 400-meter race, the 800-meter race, the 1500 meter race. They also include long-distance races like the 5,000-meter race and the 10,000-meter race.

Wheelchair racing also includes relay races and wheelchair marathons.

Wheelchair Rugby

Wheelchair rugby was created in 1976, and it is now a popular team sport for people with disabilities.

People play wheelchair rugby indoors on a hard-surfaced court. The adaptive sport is also known for being very physical. Wheelchair rugby players score points by carrying the ball through the goal line.

Wheelchair Softball

There are over 40 junior and adult teams in the National Wheelchair Softball Association.

The rules for wheelchair softball are pretty similar to the traditional sport, but there are few differences.

The field in wheelchair softball is smaller and made of a hard surface. Also, adaptations are allowed to make holding the bat easier for players.

Wheelchair Mountain Biking

Downhill mountain biking is a great wheelchair activity for people who are seeking a thrilling experience in the Blacksburg area. Mountain bikers start at the beginning of a hill and ride down it in all-terrain wheelchairs.

There are different difficulty levels of trails to ride, depending on how much you want to challenge yourself. You can enjoy wheelchair mountain biking individually or through competitive racing.

Wheelchair Competitive Dance

Wheelchair competitive dance is another accessible activity for people who use a wheelchair to enjoy. Most standard dances are included in wheelchair dancing like the waltz, tango, samba, foxtrot, and rumba.

Wheelchair dancing offers participants an opportunity to socialize with people in Blacksburg. It also allows them to improve physical mobility and balance.

When wheelchair dancing, you can compete with a partner who also uses a wheelchair, a standing partner, or in a group of four to eight people.

Wheelchair Hockey

Wheelchair hockey is another adaptive team sport for people who use wheelchairs. It is an especially inclusive wheelchair sport because even players with severe disabilities can practice wheelchair hockey.

The general objective for wheelchair hockey is the same as the traditional version of the sport. Players attempt to score points by putting their ball in the opposing team’s goal while preventing them from doing the same.

Wheelchair Fencing

Wheelchair fencing is a unique adaptive sport because it is a competition between you and one other opponent. It is fast-paced and intense to play and watch.

When wheelchair fencing, you must wear body armor, and your wheelchair must be attached to the ground with metal anchors.

Wheelchair Bowling

Wheelchair bowling is a great option for people who want to enjoy a slower-paced activity. It is also easy to learn, and the rules do not differ from the standard version, with the exception of a few adaptations.

Wheelchair bowling is popular because you can play at your own pace. You can choose to bowl for fun at your local bowling alley in Blacksburg with friends, or you can enter wheelchair bowling competitions.

For those who wish to compete, the American Wheelchair Bowling Association holds tournaments and events across the United States.

Wheelchair Golf

Wheelchair golf is a fun wheelchair sport for people with varying degrees of mobility. The rules are the same as standing golf, but players use adapted equipment to assist them on the course.

You can move to different holes and stand up to swing your club in a single-rider golf cart. Single-rider golf carts are specifically adapted for people who use wheelchairs.

Wheelchairs for Different Activities

There are many types of wheelchairs, but some wheelchairs are better suited for adaptive sports and other wheelchair activities.

All-Terrain Wheelchairs

All-terrain wheelchairs offer freedom to their users in a variety of environments.

These wheelchairs are typically used for outdoor activities, like wheelchair mountain biking.

There are also certain wheel options that perform better in rough terrain.

Sports Wheelchairs

Sports wheelchairs contain lightweight material and are easy to maneuver. Sports wheelchairs’ wheels are often angled so that they do not tip or fall over. The rear wheels have an outward angle.

The Freedom to Play in the Blacksburg Area

Wheelchair sports give you the freedom to stay active and have fun in an adapted way.

The sports mentioned here ensure that people with mobility disabilities are included in the fun and competition.

Want to empower yourself? Choose a wheelchair that fits your active lifestyle and adaptive activities.

Contact us in the Blacksburg area for an assessment to see which power wheelchair is best for you.