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UIL Adaptive Sports

Since 2013, Texas Parasport has collaborated closely with the University Interscholastic League (UIL), the governing body for junior high and high school sports in Texas. Together, Texas Parasport and the UIL have spearheaded efforts to foster inclusion for athletes with physical disabilities within junior high and high school sports programs.

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In October of 2013, Texas Parasport and U.S. Paralympics presented a proposal to the UIL to integrate wheelchair racing and seated throws into their State Track and Field Meet. This groundbreaking proposal was embraced, leading to the inclusion of 13 young athletes with disabilities on their 2014 High School Track and Field Teams. These athletes were granted the opportunity to compete at various levels, including District, Area, Regional, and State competitions.

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Continuing our partnership, Texas Parasport remains dedicated to supporting coaches and athletes involved in wheelchair racing and seated throws. We offer coaching education, athlete clinics, and operate an equipment loan program to ensure accessibility and opportunity for all participants.

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Furthermore, Texas Parasport actively advocates to the UIL Legislative Council for the expansion of the Adaptive Sport Inclusion Program. We strive to broaden the scope of sports and disability groups represented, promoting a more diverse and inclusive landscape within junior high and high school athletics across Texas.

Who is Eligible?

Junior and High school students with a permanent physical disability, that impedes their mobility. This can include students who walk with a wheelchair or mobility challenge making it hard for them to compete with traditional athletes in standup sports, a student who uses a mobility device; such as a wheelchair, crutches, or prosthetic leg or a student with a visual impairment.

 

Some examples of common disabilities that are eligible are: Spinal Cord Injury, Spina Bifida, Amputee, Mild Cerebral Palsy, Visual Impairment and more.

Racing Chair Loan Program & Coaching Education

To assist in getting young athletes started, Texas Parasport and SWAA have developed an equipment loan program to decrease the cost of accessing the adaptive equipment necessary to participate. Texas athletes that are planning on being a member of their Junior High or High School Track and Feld Team may request a Texas Parasport/SWAA racing chair.

 

Please contact the Texas Parasport representative in your area and they will start the process to fit you for a chair, conduct coaching education to your coaches and keep you connected to clinic and competition opportunities.

Regional Coordinators

Welcome to the Adaptive Track and Field Educational Series, presented by the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Dive into expert guidance on wheelchair racing, seated throws, and coaching tips. Whether you're an athlete aiming for personal bests or a coach seeking to empower your team, these videos offer invaluable insights to elevate your performance and foster inclusivity in adaptive sports. Join us on this journey to unlock your full potential in the dynamic world of adaptive track and field.

Educational Videos

WHEELCHAIR RACING VIDEOS
UIL Wheelchair Warm Up
03:06
Devrie Harwood
UIL Wheelchair Warm Up
Track UIL Wheelchair Warm Up lessons demonstrated by U.S. Paralympic winner Cheri Madsen
Wheelchair Racing - Push Stroke Basics
03:49
Challenged Athletes Foundation
Wheelchair Racing - Push Stroke Basics
Wheelchair track coach, Tim Binning, and Paralympian, Erik Hightower, demonstrates the push stroke mechanics when using a racing chair.
Wheelchair Racing - Transferring + Seat Positioning
05:11
Challenged Athletes Foundation
Wheelchair Racing - Transferring + Seat Positioning
Wheelchair track coach, Tim Binning, and Paralympian, Erik Hightower, demonstrate the various ways an athlete can transfer in and out of a racing chair as well as what proper seating positioning looks like.
Wheelchair Racing - Equipment
05:11
Challenged Athletes Foundation
Wheelchair Racing - Equipment
Wheelchair track coach, Tim Binning, reviews the equipment required for wheelchair racing on a track.
SEATED THROWS VIDEOS
Seated Throws - Equipment
02:03
Challenged Athletes Foundation
Seated Throws - Equipment
Five time Paralympian and USTF Level 2 Throws Coach, Scott Danberg, explains the equipment required for seated throws in adaptive track & field.
Seated Throws - Throwing Frame Construction
03:06
Challenged Athletes Foundation
Seated Throws - Throwing Frame Construction
Five time Paralympian and USTF Level 2 Throws Coach, Scott Danberg, demonstrates how to properly tie down a throwing frame in preparation for an athlete to use when throwing an implement.
Seated Throws - Front Facing Positioning
02:24
Challenged Athletes Foundation
Seated Throws - Front Facing Positioning
Five time Paralympian and USTF Level 2 Throws Coach, Scott Danberg, and U.S. National Team Athlete, Justin Phongsavanh, show proper front facing positioning in a throwing frame.
Seated Throws - Straddle Positioning
02:14
Challenged Athletes Foundation
Seated Throws - Straddle Positioning
Five time Paralympian and USTF Level 2 Throws Coach, Scott Danberg, and U.S. National Team Athlete, Justin Phongsavanh, show proper straddle positioning in a throwing frame.
COACHING TIPS VIDEOS
Wheelchair Racing - Coaching Tips
05:15
Challenged Athletes Foundation
Wheelchair Racing - Coaching Tips
Wheelchair track coach, Tim Binning, and Paralympian, Erik Hightower, gives us their top tips on how to be successful in wheelchair racing.
Amputees - Coaching Tips
04:16
Challenged Athletes Foundation
Amputees - Coaching Tips
Retired U.S. Paralympic Track & Field Director, Cathy Sellers explains her fundamental coaching tips when working with an athlete who has an amputation.
Seated Throws - Coaching Tips
01:46
Challenged Athletes Foundation
Seated Throws - Coaching Tips
Five time Paralympian and USTF Level 2 Throws Coach, Scott Danberg, gives us his top three seated throwing coaching tips when working with an adaptive athlete.
Cerebral Palsy - Coaching Tips
05:39
Challenged Athletes Foundation
Cerebral Palsy - Coaching Tips
Retired U.S. Paralympic Track & Field Director, Cathy Sellers explains her fundamental coaching tips when working with an athlete who has cerebral palsy.
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