Modified Programs will be Offered to Individuals with Physical Disabilities
Sportable, Central Virginia’s premier adaptive sports club, is pleased to announce a return to play plan that will enable individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments to participate in modified, non-contact programs for the first time since play was suspended on March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Registration will be available for current Sportable members on Monday, June 15 at Sportable.org.
“We are thrilled to welcome our athletes and volunteers back to limited in-person, outdoor programming,” commented Hunter Leemon, Sportable Executive Director. “The health and safety of our athletes and volunteers is our top priority and we have made every effort to consult with industry leaders, healthcare professionals, and our membership to implement a safe and strategic phased reopening plan. While we have remained actively engaged with our athlete community virtually these past few months, we are ready to get back to our core mission of providing top-quality adaptive sports and creating an inclusive, supportive environment for our participants to thrive in.”
Beginning June 17, Sportable will offer limited, non-contact programs for small groups of athletes. Sportable’s phased approach to return to programming is intended to provide athletes with a safe and controlled environment to mitigate risks and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
To ensure safety for all athletes, volunteers, and staff, Sportable will initiate a five point safety plan that will include various measures such as screening and temperature checks, mandatory face masks and appropriate personal protective equipment, physical distancing, enhanced sanitization, and revised equipment protocols. Sportable will continue to evaluate the situation and health department recommendations to evolve into future phases of program delivery.
While on hiatus, Sportable has become a model for virtual programming in the adaptive sports industry. Sportable athletes have enjoyed numerous virtual fitness classes, the launch of The Sportable Podcast, live Q&A’s, spotlights, and weekly community and team Zoom meetings. Additionally, Sportable collaborated with the United Spinal Association of Virginia and the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation to establish an Emergency Support Program to deliver essential supplies and personal protection equipment to nearly 100 community members who are living with spinal cord injuries or disease (SCI/D).
About Sportable
This year, Sportable celebrates 15 years of creating opportunities and transforming lives through sport for individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments. The non-profit organization provides sporting opportunities to more than 400 athletes of all ages by offering competitive and recreational adaptive sports programs year-round. By fostering a fun, inclusive, competitive, and accessible environment, Sportable transforms the lives of athletes and frees them to see beyond their disabilities, enhances their peer relationships and helps them to reach their personal finish line. To make an impact today, visit Sportable.com/donate.
