About Us
Empowering the human spirit since 1992, Adaptive Sports Connection is a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to serving children, veterans, and adults with disabilities through outdoor and therapeutic recreation and education.
We serve thousands of individuals with disabilities and their families every year in 44 counties in Ohio. With adaptive instructors, equipment, and over 400 volunteers, we utilize the power of sports to push what's possible. Our goal is to help people focus on their ABILITIES - unleashing the power within to enjoy life no matter the challenges they face.
Our Mission
Our mission is to break through limitations with adaptive innovation, ensuring people of all abilities the health benefits, freedom, and sense of belonging from recreation, education and outdoor experiences.
Our Vision
Our vision is for people of all abilities to feel independent, strong, and a true sense of belonging while enjoying sports and outdoor recreation with friends, family, and community.
Our Values
We value resilience because it drives personal achievement, inspires others, and pushes us beyond perceived limits.
We value freedom because it allows independence
We value collaboration and the importance of working together to enhance our community.
Adaptive Sports began as a means to rehabilitate veterans from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam War. Today, Move United serves both civilians and the latest military who have sustained permanent physically disabling injuries while in Iraq and across the globe.
OUR MANTRA
If I can do this I can do anything!
Our Facility
We operate out of our Adventure Center located along the Scioto River in Powell, Ohio, through our partnership agreement with the Columbus City Recreation and Parks. However, the current structure is deteriorating and cannot accommodate participants or volunteers due to safety issues. We are currently raising funds to build a new state-of-the-art Adventure and Wellness Lodge.
We operate our winter sports from Mad River Mountain Ski Resort and Snow Trails Ski Resort and our cycling and mountain biking out of Glacier Ridge Metro Park and Alum Creek. In addition, we provide program services with our partner Mount Brighton Adaptive Sports in Michigan at Mount Brighton Ski Resort.
We also have ready-to-go trailers to take our adaptive cycles and kayaks on the road to reach people where they live, work, and play across the state of Ohio.
Our Services
Adaptive Programming
We snow ski, water ski, cycle, kayak, and mountain bike, utilizing adaptive equipment to match a person’s ability. We also provide adaptive and therapeutic bikes to children through our Bikes to Go Program.
Get Out Adventures
Get Out Adventures is our social enterprise designed to provide inclusive outdoor experiences for the entire community.
Who We Serve
We serve infants, children, adults, and veterans with physical or cognitive disabilities, including but not limited to:
Program Fees
ASC charges a minimum program fee for activities. No one is turned away for inability to pay, and we have scholarship funds set aside. All veterans participate at no cost.
Our Affiliations
ASC is an active chapter member of Move United (formerly Disabled Sports USA), a national organization founded in 1967 and the most significant national multi-sport, multi-disability organization in the United States. The history of adaptive sports started as a way to rehabilitate veterans from World War II, Korea, and the Vietnam War.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department
Ohio Health
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Goodwill Columbus
Aspirations/ OSU Nisonger Center
Central Ohio Spina Bifida Association
Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio
Autism Society of Central Ohio
Special Education Advancement Council
The ARC of Ohio
Ohio State School for the Blind
Amps 4 Ohio
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital
Bridgeway Academy
West Central School
Dublin Schools
Worthington Schools
Upper Arlington Schools
Olentangy Schools
Columbus Veterans Association
Cleveland Veterans Association
Dayton Veterans Association
Chillicothe Veterans Association
Ohio Sled Hockey
3 Trackers of Ohio
AmTrykes/AmBucks
Disabled Sports USA
Hero USA
Capstone Wilderness
Wellington School