Salus University hosted an Adaptive Sports Day in collaboration with Hanger Clinic on the university’s Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, campus on June 25. The event, attended by about 40 people, was open to anyone with limb loss, orthotic bracing, or mobility challenges, as well as their family members and friends.
Activities included wheelchair basketball, adaptive golf, yoga, seated volleyball, tennis, and mobility exercises. There were also networking opportunities with motivational speakers who discussed their journey with adaptive sports, including Reggie Showers.
“The most important thing I have noticed today is the fact that we, as a disabled community, have had a chance to network, to increase fellowship, and to get together,” said Showers.
“I’ve seen a lot of smiling faces, engagement, and people interested to learn and meet new people,” said Matt Johnson, area director for Hanger Clinic. “There is a huge need for orthotic and prosthetic professionals now. We have an aging population of clinicians who are retiring. It’s a wonderful profession and we need to increase awareness and get more people into the field.”
“Participants really enjoyed the adaptive sports activities as well as the networking opportunities,” said Anna Intartaglia, Salus University. “It was inspiring to see all of the community members getting together and getting to know each other through this event. Overall, the Adaptive Sports Day was a great opportunity for Salus to partner with a leading O&P provider and introduce the new orthotics and prosthetics program to the local community.”
