If you want to get into adaptive sports, or try a new one but aren’t sure where to start, check out the Active Project. The Kelly Brush Foundation created this web portal to be a one-stop shop for finding information, programs and community for a variety of adaptive sports and recreational activities — everything from wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis, to handcycling, hiking, mountain biking, fishing and more. 

“We believe in the power of adaptive sports as a catalyst for helping people with spinal cord injuries find confidence, joy and really (getting) back to the life that they want to live,” says Edie Perkins, executive director of the Kelly Brush Foundation. 

Finding adaptive sports and community was key to Perkins recovering after she acquired an SCI in 2017. She hopes the Active Project will make similar opportunities more accessible to others. “There are many people who have spinal cord injuries and leave rehab without learning about what’s out there and what’s possible after their injuries,” she says. “And there are all these adaptive sports programs across the country … and they’re not always reaching people, the people that they want to serve.” 

The Kelly Brush Foundation recognized the knowledge gap on both sides and built a platform to connect people with the resources they need. By creating a profile on the website, you’ll be able to: 

• Learn about adaptive sports. Comprehensive video guides and information will teach you all you need to get to started. Learn the basics, rules and equipment — plus see how pros at various injury levels transfer, transport and adapt the sport to their needs. 
• Discover programs near you. Browse programs by sport and find local events and clinics in your area. There is information on basketball, biking, skiing, tennis and more. 
• Find your community. Connect with people in your area, find a mentor, or support someone who is newly injured. Forums allow you to ask specific questions or to buy and sell used equipment. 

The Active Project is still in its infancy, and the Kelly Brush Foundation is encouraging all people with disabilities and adaptive sports organizations to create profiles so the Active Project can expand its database.  

Regardless of where you are in your adaptive sports journey, the Active Project has something for everyone. “For people who are new to adaptive sports, it gives you that starting place,” says Bruce Downes, Kelly Brush Foundation’s senior director of marketing and digital programs. “And for people who’ve been doing it for decades, they can find new sports or they can give back and help more people start an incredible journey.”