Adaptive
Track and
Field
Summer 2022
Monday and Wednesdays
6:00-7:30 pm
June 6th-July 27th
Central High School
Fee:$30
Removing Barriers,
Creating Opportunities,
so that all may live healthier lives.
Summer registration will open March 15th, 2022.
We encourage you to participate both days.
We would rather see you one day a week, then not at all. We understand that many families travel a distance to get to sessions.
Who Should
Attend
All ages, youth and adult. Anyone who has a mobility challenge. Spina Bifida, Spinal Cord Injury, CP, Congenital Limb Issues, amputations, leg length discrepancy, short stature, Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson's, MS, Motor Dyspraxia, limited range of motion, balance issues, post stroke, Blind and Visual Impairment. AMBULATORY, ASSITIVE DEVICES OR WHEELCHAIR USERS.
Adaptive Track is more than just Race Wheelchairs.
Ambulatory, Race Runner Frames, Prothetics or visually impaired. There is a way that most everyone can be accommodated to participate.
RACE WHEELCHAIRS are used by athletes who do not have strength or control of their legs to support themselves in a standing position. The race wheelchair is very light weight. You either sit or are in a tucked position. The athlete wears special leather or plastic "Gloves" which have a rubber surface which are used to push against the push rim. The race wheelchair "steers itself" through a mechanism called a "compensator". Events for the race wheel chair include spirnts, middle distance, 1K, 2K, 5k, half marathon and marathon
Did you know?
Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota students are able to represent their school on the Track and Field Team. With the skills you learn you may also enjoy community run/walks, 5k, half marathons or marathons. You may also compete in throwing events.
There are local, regional and National Junior Disabled Track and field competitions.
Individuals with PROTHETICS are able to participate with conventional prothesis, or special sport "BLADE" prothesis. Some individuals with limb deficiencies and amputation compete seated.
BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED individuals. are able to participate in most track running events and road races with the assistance of a guide. The athlete and guide work as a team. They are connected by a short "Tether" that lets them know where each other is, but not restrict the running motion. The 'Guide" uses verbal cues to let the athlete know where they are on the track and relationship with obstacles and other athletes.
INTRODUCING RACE RUNNING FRAMES
Race Running has a more than a 30 year history in Europe. Developed by the Cerebral Palsy International Recreation Association(CPISRA) it is now a demonstration sport in the Paralympics. Race Running is done with a three wheeled frame that has no pedals. A seat and a chest plate support the athlete as the propel the frame with their legs. Individuals with limited rang of motion, alterations of muscle tone, weakness or balance issues can use race runners. Even individuals who normally use power chairs can successfully participate. The STAR Association is excited to offer this piece of adaptive equipment. We are one of the first organizations in the country to offer programming in this sport.
WHO CAN USE A RACE RUNNING FRAME
- Cerebral Palsy
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Spasticty
- Arthritis
- Parkinson's Disease
- MS
- Spina Bifida
- Balance issues
- Ataxia
- Motor Dyspraxia
Adaptive Field
Throwing Events
The DISCUS was in the ancient olympics. Like other throwing event it can be done seated or standing dependent on one classification. The disc is saucer shaped and weighs between .75 Kg to 2 kg , depending on age and sex. It is thrown with a "side arm" manner. You will note that each of the throwing events challenges a different set of muscles and movement patterns.
Throw
Chair
Para Field events include shot put, discus, javelin and club. The weights of the implement vary by age and sex. Throwing events are done either Seated or Standing dependent on your disability. Seated throwers use a "Throwing Chair". The thrower must stay in contact with the seat. Straps can be customized to help secure the athlete. Some will utilize a back support or foot rest. There is a post that is to hold on with the non throwing hand.
Standing athletes may at times utilize a support frame to help with stability.All six primary categories of Para Athletes can compete in the throwing events.
SHOT PUT can be done seated or standing. The Shot starts just under the jaw near your ear. The arm is then extended upward at about a 45 degree angle. The Shot is pushed, not thrown.
The JAVELIN is a long spear like implement. It can be done seated or standing. The weight and length of the javelin varies with the age of the athlete. Younger athletes and practice javelins have a rubber tip, while older competitors use a metal tipped javelin. The javelin is thrown in "Over hand" position.
Adaptive Jumping Events
What To Bring
What are
Classifications
- Dress to move
- Water bottle
- If you have a race wheelchair feel free to bring it.
- Bike Helmet if you have one (we will have a few available)
- Race runners may wish to wear Padded Biker shorts
- A parent is welcome to attend.
- Wheelchair Racers may desire long sleeve shirts or arm sleeves
There are six broad Paralympics Categories: amputee, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, wheelchair, vision impairment, and "others." All of these categories can be involved in Adaptive Track and Field and other PARAsports. Classifications are how the Paralympics identify athletes with similar challenges and group them into a competitive "Class". Classification looks at an individuals function of their arms, their legs, their trunk , cognition and their eyes, not just your diagnosis. Muscle tone, spasticity, and coordination are also utilized to determine your classification.
In case of inclement weather, the STAR Association reserves the right to cancel a session. Participants will be notified via TeamSnap.
The STAR Association follows CDC and State, and County Health Department recommendations for COVID Mitigation. We recommend that all who are eligible to get a vaccine to do so. Masks, Social Distancing and good hand washing will be required at all STAR programs.
Thanks for your interest in the STAR CENTER. We will keep you up to date on upcoming programming and events.
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