Adaptive Sports

Three people in wheelchairs are on a basketball court. Two are wearing gloves and facing each other with their wheels angled slightly. A third person in the middle appears to be instructing them. Gym equipment is in the background.

Empowering active lifestyles through adaptive sports

The Alias Family Sports Teams program at Shepherd Center sponsors 10 sports teams that enable individuals with physical disabilities in the Atlanta area to participate in sports on a recreational or competitive level.

Athletes compete in local and regional competitions, as well as at the national and international levels. Regular practice sessions offer expert instruction, as well as camaraderie and peer support. The program also raises awareness about disabilities and increases participation in disabled sports.

A group of ecstatic athletes in wheelchairs celebrates on a sports court. Clad in matching uniforms, they bask in joy as coaches and supporters join with wide smiles and claps.

Joining a team

Membership on a Shepherd Center sports team is open to athletes with any type of physical disability, as long as the disability falls within the guidelines of the sport. For more information about becoming an athlete or to sponsor the sports team program, call 404-367-1287 or email Matt Edens at [email protected].

Athletes

More than 100 athletes participate in sports team practices. Shepherd Center athletes have won national and international competitions, with several athletes holding world records. In fact, more than 20 athletes from Shepherd Center have qualified to represent the United States in their sports in the past several Paralympic games, and several have won medals.

Teams

The program sponsors the largest disabled sports program in North America. The teams are basketball, power soccer, track, quad rugby, swimming, softball, waterskiing, fencing, hand-cycling, bass fishing, and tennis.

Practice schedule

This table provides details about the Alias Family Sports Teams, including team names, sports, seasons, practice frequency, practice days, and practice times.
Team Name Sport Season Practice Frequency Practice Day Practice Time
Shepherd Swords Fencing Year-round Twice a month Saturdays TBD
Shepherd Spinners Track March-August TBD TBD TBD
Shepherd Stealers Basketball September-March Twice a week Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Shepherd Sharks Swimming January-November Twice a week Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Shepherd Skiers Water Skiing March-September Varies Varies Varies
Shepherd Strikers Power Soccer September-May Once a week Wednesdays 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Shepherd Smash Rugby September-March Twice a week Mondays and Wednesdays 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Shepherd Sluggers Softball May-August TBD TBD TBD
Shepherd Servers Tennis 10 weeks in Spring and Fall Once a week Mondays 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Shepherd Cyclers Handcycling Year-round TBD TBD TBD

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