Discovering Pittsburgh’s Adaptive Sports Scene: A Paralympic-Inspired Adventure

As the world tunes in to the thrilling events of the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, we wanted to share the adaptive sport options for the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) community right here In Pittsburgh! This year’s Paralympic Games will feature more than 4,000 athletes competing in 22 sporting events – many of which you can get involved in locally.

It’s no surprise that Pittsburgh boasts a thriving adaptive sports scene, supported by several organizations that cater to a diverse range of abilities and interests. Here are some standout options:

Highland Park Tennis Club

The Highland Park Tennis Club offers free wheelchair tennis every Saturday. From beginner to pro, children to adults, HPTC has two sport wheelchairs available for interested players to use during clinics or you can use your own. Head out to the courts and learn from leading wheelchair athlete Jake Schmalzriedt or you might luck out and get lessons from RSFSR’s own Leah Friedman!

POGOH

Like to cycle? Adaptive POGOH is Pittsburgh’s adaptive bike rental program. Located at the Eliza Furnace Trailhead, they offer seven different adaptive cycles for rent. They are open Wednesday and Sunday from 10am – 2pm through the end of September and it’s completely free. Handcycles, side-by-side bikes and more are available for you to enjoy these last few days of summer. (All riders must be 18 or older.)

North Hills Golf Academy

Work on your golf game with North Hills Golf Academy! NHGA is a family-oriented golf academy that is committed to making golf more inclusive and accessible. Tailored to meet individual needs, they offer lessons for golfers – and aspiring golfers of all ages in abilities, using specialized techniques and equipment to help students with physical or cognitive challenges enjoy the game.

Pittsburgh Steelwheelers

You can’t talk about adaptive sports in Pittsburgh without mentioning the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers! They’re revving up the local sports scene with their dynamic blend of grit and excitement with wheelchair rugby, wheelchair basketball, and handcycling. They’re always looking to add players to their teams’ rosters – including the Steel City Swish, Pittsburgh’s only youth competitive wheelchair basketball team for high schoolers. Whether you’re a longtime fan, a new fan, or want to play, the Steelwheelers are redefining what it means to be part of the Steel City’s sports culture.

Tune in to the Paralympics from August 28 – September 8 and reach out to one of these local groups to start your sporting journey!