Listen "67: Breaking Barriers in Adaptive Sports w/ I Am An Athlete Too"
Episode Synopsis
This episode explores the impactful journey of 'I Am an Athlete Too,' an organization founded by Maria Valet, Monica Aho, Abby Flaminio, and Lindsay Marquardt. The initiative aims to integrate adaptive sports into high schools, allowing students with physical disabilities to compete alongside
their peers. The discussion covers the organization's origins, its challenges, and its successes in expanding the opportunities for adaptive athletes, highlighted by Maria's inspiring story and ongoing advocacy.
I Am An Athlete Too (Facebook)
I Am An Athlete Too (Instagram)
Adaptive Track & Field USA
Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association
Amie Stanton-Day
Paul's Party
Daniel Romanchuk
Susannah Scaroni
Sam Grewe
USOPC/NCAA Para College Inclusion Project
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:30 Meet the Team Behind 'I Am An Athlete Too'
01:26 Maria's Journey: From Injury to Advocacy
03:32 Challenges and Triumphs in Adaptive Sports
06:16 Fighting for Inclusion in High School Sports
17:18 Building a Movement: Clinics and Equipment
32:49 Overcoming Hesitancy and Fear
33:46 Addressing Fairness Concerns
34:11 Scoring System Proposal
37:19 Track and Tennis Integration
38:47 Adaptive Sports in NCAA
39:42 Personal Achievements and Experiences
43:33 Role of PTs in Adaptive Sports
46:54 Expanding Adaptive Track Events
48:55 Growing Adaptive Sports in Michigan
49:45 Upcoming National Adaptive Sporting Event
51:23 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
their peers. The discussion covers the organization's origins, its challenges, and its successes in expanding the opportunities for adaptive athletes, highlighted by Maria's inspiring story and ongoing advocacy.
I Am An Athlete Too (Facebook)
I Am An Athlete Too (Instagram)
Adaptive Track & Field USA
Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association
Amie Stanton-Day
Paul's Party
Daniel Romanchuk
Susannah Scaroni
Sam Grewe
USOPC/NCAA Para College Inclusion Project
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:30 Meet the Team Behind 'I Am An Athlete Too'
01:26 Maria's Journey: From Injury to Advocacy
03:32 Challenges and Triumphs in Adaptive Sports
06:16 Fighting for Inclusion in High School Sports
17:18 Building a Movement: Clinics and Equipment
32:49 Overcoming Hesitancy and Fear
33:46 Addressing Fairness Concerns
34:11 Scoring System Proposal
37:19 Track and Tennis Integration
38:47 Adaptive Sports in NCAA
39:42 Personal Achievements and Experiences
43:33 Role of PTs in Adaptive Sports
46:54 Expanding Adaptive Track Events
48:55 Growing Adaptive Sports in Michigan
49:45 Upcoming National Adaptive Sporting Event
51:23 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
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