The field of adaptive sports has been traditionally described as sports for the disabled – mental and physical, temporary and permanent. Human-powered outdoor sports is a title coined by Paradox Sports to describe and emphasize how the sporting event itself is only as successful as the people behind the effort. While there exist many organizations that support life sustaining initiatives for the disabled, very few of them do so through adaptive, human-powered outdoor sports channels that emphasize – not the sport itself or the outcome of the event, but rather – the personal mentorship and transition of lessons learned from the field to life’s day-to-day challenges at work, at home, and at play. Anyone can host an event; anyone can participate in a race; but it takes commitment, mentoring, and deep understanding to make that event and that outcome become an approach to life. Currently, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 28.1 million Americans between the ages of 21 to 64 have some level of disability, including mental, making up 16.5% of the entire age group. Paradox Sports teaches these disabled individuals how to live and how to dream, not just how to attend.
Paradox Sports has the capability to bring events, technology, and mentoring together through programs for the disabled. Some of these programs include:
Operation Amped
Founded by a group of surfers in 2006, Operation Amped is about giving back to those who’ve been wounded in service of our country.
As surfers, we can’t think of any greater expression of what they fought for than the freedom of surfing itself. As thanks, we share our love of the ocean with disabled vets.
Gimps on Ice
This is our one-of-a-kind World Class adaptive ice climbing clinic in Ouray, CO. We provide all ability levels of instruction to all types of mobility limitations. This is one of the best and most fun Ice Climbing events of the year!
Ragbrai
RAGBRAI®, The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, is an annual seven-day bicycle ride across the state. Heading into its 38th year, RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest and longest bicycle touring event in the world.
Fourteeners Project
Join the mountain men of the Sierra’s as they guide you to the top of the tallest peaks in California. Mt Whitney and Mt Langley are just two of the many Team Paradox has summited in the past. What better way to find solace and healing than on top of the world…well, on top of California for now!
No Barriers USA
The purpose of No Barriers is to promote innovative ideas, approaches, and assistive technologies which help people with disabilities push through their own personal barriers to live full and active lives. We achieve this through two main programs – an online educational resource center and through our No Barriers Festivals, of which we’ve held four – one in Miami, Florida, one in Squaw Valley, California, and two in Cortina, Italy.
To learn more about any of these programs, or ideas of your own you wish to share, please contact us at info@paradoxsports.org or visit us on Facebook and Twitter! And dont forget…Live life on your own terms!
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