TRACK & FIELD PROGRAM DETAILS:

Adaptive Sports Iowa has made it a priority to connect with middle school to high school age students with physical disabilities and provide the needed equipment so they may compete for the school track and field teams.

We want every student with a physical disability to have the opportunity to compete for their school track and field team. If you would like this opportunity or know someone who does, Adaptive Sports Iowa is prepared to loan the following at NO COST.

• Racing wheelchair
• Field Event Chair
• Customized Racing Gloves

In addition to providing equipment, Adaptive Sports Iowa will work with the school coaching staff so that the athlete’s experience is a positive and meaningful one.

Iowa was the first state in the nation to incorporate wheelchair events within middle school and high school track and field. This happened in 1991 when a Central Iowa family successfully lobbied the Iowa High School Athletic Association so their son could compete. Since that time these opportunities have expanded across the country to include 18 states.

The continued development of wheelchair events in middle school and high school sports in Iowa is a high priority for our organization. We have worked closely with the Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls Athletic Unions to update and expand the rules for wheelchair events.

We are the resource in the state for track and field equipment, coaching resources, and athlete support.

WHEN/WHERE:

ASI track and field participants compete for their high school track teams across the state. They come together to compete against other wheelchair racers at the Drake Relays and the Iowa High School State Track events.

DRAKE RELAYS: April 28-29, 2023

-400m Wheelchair: 12:32pm Friday, April 28

*Girls/boys wheelchair top performers will qualify for Drake Relays.

View the full schedule here.

STATE TRACK: May 18-20, 2023

-800m Wheelchair: 2:00pm Friday, May 19

-Wheelchair Shotput: 10:00am Saturday, May 20

-100m Wheelchair: 12:40pm Saturday, May 20

-200m Wheelchair: 1:45p Saturday, May 20

-400m Wheelchair: 3:15pm Saturday, May 20

*All wheelchair participants of a state qualifying meet will advance to State Track.

View the full schedule here.

EQUIPMENT SUMMARY:

• Eagle Racing Chairs
• Top End Racing Chairs
• Eagle field event chair
• Glove making materials

TRACK & FIELD INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS:

• Racing Wheelchair Overview
• Building Wheelchair Racing Gloves
• Racing Wheelchair Athlete Transfer
• Racing Wheelchair Hand Placement
• General Coaching Tips
• Setting the Compensator
• Starting the Race
• Seated Shot Put Overview

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• IAHSAA Track and Field
• IGHSAU Track and Field
• U.S. Paralympic Track and Field
• Adaptive Sports USA track and field

POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC OUTCOMES:

• Increased social connections with other adaptive athletes across the state, as well as bonding within your own school’s track team
• Increased opportunities for friendly competition
• Increased joint mobility, muscle movement, and circulation
• Improved core control, coordination, and balance
• Improved cardiovascular endurance and overall health
• Reduced stress and anxiety through increased endorphins
• Sense of accomplishment
• Increased sense of independence