The History of Adapted Sports Day

The concept currently known as Adapted Sports Day was initially proposed in 1996 when members of the ECU Campus Recreation & Wellness staff, the Spinal Cord Injury Association, and several community members collaborated to develop the first "Quad/Para Sports Day."  Shortly thereafter the event was modified to encompass a greater range of disabilities.  The arrival of Mark Wellman as keynote speaker in 1999 took ASD to a new level in that it attracted a national figure in adapted sports to Greenville.  The goal of Adapted Sports Day has always been to expose individuals with disabilities to healthy, enjoyable, and positive recreational experiences as a means to increase their quality of life.  In addition, ASD has long provided invaluable practical experience to hundreds of students from related academic disciplines such as Recreation Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy.  The event has grown to attract approximately 120-180 people annually and features over 20 activity sessions during the day in addition to early morning recreational opportunities and the keynote presentation.  For a more detailed review of this event's rich history, please click the related links from the table below.