ADAPTIVE SPORTS AND THE VETERAN COMMUNITY
by Leslie Parsons
Adaptive sports, also known as parasports, are athletic activities tailored for individuals with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities. These sports provide numerous benefits and enriching the lives of participants in profound ways. For military veterans who were injured while in service, adaptive sports provide a structured and enjoyable way to stay active and healthy and can help with their transition to civilian life.
Engaging in adaptive sports can significantly enhance a veteran’s physical health, mental and emotional well-being, and the development of important life skills that are necessary to a successful transition. Participants experience improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination. Adaptive sports can help foster a sense of accomplishment and boosts to self-esteem as athletes achieve personal goals and overcome challenges.
No one demonstrates these benefits better than Luke Kittel. Luke was forced to leave the U.S. Army after a series of injuries and infections left him with chronic pain. In 2018, Luke and his doctors made the difficult decision to amputate his right leg below the knee. This complicated an already difficult transition, but adaptive sports gave Luke a new sense of drive and purpose and he completed his first Ironman Triathlon in 2021. Luke continues to challenge himself by regularly competing in long distance running and swimming events and earlier this year, with the help of the True North Foundation, he reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro as part of the Chris Long Foundation’s “Conquering Kili” challenge. True North will also sponsor Luke in several upcoming competitions, including a “half” Ironman race in September and the Space Force 10-mile run in December.
The social aspect of sports promotes a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation. Engaging with teammates, coaches, and the community creates a support network that can alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can lead to thoughts of suicide. This is especially important in the veteran community where, according to national nonprofit Stop Soldier Suicide, more than 131,000 veterans have taken their own lives since 2001.
True North is proud to work with organizations that understand the benefits of adaptive sports like Merging Vets and Players (MVP). MVP brings combat veterans and former professional athletes together to create peer support communities through shared physical activity. Each chapter ensures that their workouts can provide accommodations for all those who need them and regularly includes adaptive athletes in its roster of guest speakers. True North recently sponsored an MVP Community Event in New York City, which you can read about here.
The True North Foundation is excited to see what the future will bring as we continue working with adaptive athletes across the country. To learn more about us and the organizations we work with, please consider subscribing to our newsletter.