This was a big year for adaptive sports in Seattle, and we wanted to reflect on our accomplishments together. Collectively, we have been able to grow each of our core sports: Sled Hockey, Wheelchair Basketball, Power Soccer, and Goalball. Our athletes improved their skills, built team comradery, and thrived against adversity at the local and national level. Additionally, we collaborated with our friends on numerous community events and training sessions in order to share our knowledge and love of competition. All of these actions help change the lives of people with disabilities.
Follow our yearlong journey and celebrate with us as we move into 2024!
January
Our hockey, goalball, and basketball programs resumed weekly practices programs after the holiday break.
We partnered with SportAbility, the Portland Winterhawks, and the Winterhawks Skating Center to secure extra sleds for a large hockey try-it event on January 8th, which saw interest from community youth and adults.
From January 20-22, the King Cobras competed at the Southwest regional tournament in Phoenix. The team secured a silver medal after a tough championship match against the Manticores.
February
The Sled Kraken hosted the Seattle Showdown tournament against the BC Eagles on February 25-26.
From February 18th – 19th, the youth, D3, and women’s basketball programs participated in the President’s Day Cup in Tacoma.
March
On March 25, we hosted our Annual Gala to raise funding for adaptive sports in the Greater Seattle Area. Seattle Adaptive Sports would like to send our gratitude to our sponsors, donors, and volunteers that contribute to our programs.
The Seattle Storm and Portland Wheelblazers celebrated Women’s History Month with an exhibition during half-time of a Portland Trailblazers game.
From March 30 – April 2, the D1 Sonics traveled to Wichita, Kansas and competed in the National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament. The team took a hard-fought, first-round loss against the Dallas Mavericks but rebounded and won three in a row! After a competitive season, our D1 secure a 9th place ranking in the country!
April
Our Seattle Storm competed against the best teams in the country at the Women’s National Tournament in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photos by Lakeshore Foundation)
May
As part of Seattle PlayGarden‘s May Madness fundraiser, we played in an exhibition game against Rainier Adaptive Sports.
For the second season, we kicked off our summer basketball program at the Seattle PlayGarden. This is an inclusive training series designed to incorporate people of all abilities. Extra basketball equipment was provided to allow for the public to join in free, weekly basketball sessions.
June
We continued our support of 12-weeks of summer wheelchair basketball through coaching, providing volunteers, and supplying equipment. Funding from Kiwanis Camp Casey allow us to keep our athletes hydrated, provide a snack time, and enjoy the occasional ice cream/popsicle party.
July
Sonics Alumni Lindsey Zurbrugg was announced as the prize winner for the 2023 I am Cracker Jill Award.
August
We wrapped up the summer basketball league with 3-vs-3 tournament and barbecue.
Several of our adult basketball athletes competed in the Hoops for Hope tournament in Vancouver, WA.
September
Seattle Adaptive Sports partnered with Power Soccer PDX to host a Try-it event on September 30th. As part of this collaboration, athletes were able to learn new drills from Coach Ryan Kenneally and test out customized competition chairs with metal guards.
Our basketball programs restarted their regular season practices. For the first time since 2019, we are able to have two youth programs: a prep team for ages 5-12 and a varsity division for ages 13 through high school.
The Dribble on Wheels wheelchair basketball camp was relaunched on September 17 and was led by Delta Hall of Fame Coach Joe Higgins.
October
Seattle Adaptive Sports hired a new Operations Manager! Kyle Hitzelberg joins our staff after leading adaptive recreation programs in Washington State and Virginia. He loves inclusive athletics, CrossFit, DnD, and spending time with his dog, Tummy.
We hosted a second Hockey Try-It Event on October 1st to recruit new athletes to the sport.
The youth, D3, and women attended the Spokane Showdown for the first wheelchair basketball tournament of the season.
November
In partnership with Seattle Parks, we relaunched Paralympic Sports Day to connect people with adaptive athletics opportunities in our area.
Four teams competed at the Bridge City Classic wheelchair basketball tournament in Beaverton, Oregon.
December
The Seattle Jam returned! This was the first home wheelchair basketball tournament since before the pandemic.
Seattle Adaptive Sports would sincerely like to thank our volunteers, coaches, and the amazing community behind our programs. We can’t wait for more action in 2024! Please consider supporting our mission by making a donation.
What an incredible year! The SAS community and its volunteers are the best of the best.