Sean Kent, founder of Ozark Adaptive Sports Association (OZASA), broke his neck 10 years ago leaving him paralyzed. Having spent previous years as a competitive athlete, this new challenge helped him learn how important, and freeing, adaptive sports and recreation can be to an individual. Previously living in the Chicago area, he had access to programs and facilities that not only kept him in shape, but also allowed him to build friendships and gain support from others in similar situations.
Before moving to Arkansas in 2018, Kent researched adaptive sports offerings and found little or no programs in our region. He has played wheelchair rugby for 10 years, but to compete, he must travel to the closest team, 216 miles away, in the Greater Kansas City region. After talking with a few others with disabilities in Northwest Arkansas, he discovered they also have to travel hours away just to play sports. This provided evidence there is a clear need for adaptive sports programs in NW Arkansas.
A program like OZASA benefits both children and adults with physical disabilities. According to the Center for Disease Control, one in three, or 822,145, adults living in Arkansas, have a disability. According to the 2019 U.S. Census, 380,268 people in Arkansas have a disability and are under the age of 65. OZASA's goal is to reach out to these individuals and show them what IS possible, by getting them out and physically active. The organization strives to build an inclusive community for people with disabilities and offer opportunities for them to compete in sports and have fun.
OZASA is working to support teams or individuals to travel regionally or nationally, offer summer camps, clinics, tournaments, expos and races. Organizers envision a day when they can boast our region supporting a paralympic gold medalist from our community.
Due to the costs of equipment needed to participate in an adaptive sports program, the organization offers as much starting equipment as possible. This allows people the opportunity to experience the activities without financial barriers. Adaptive sports equipment can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars for the individual, and it is not covered by insurance. OZASA recognizes this barrier and wants to eliminate it for prospective participants.
But, they don’t want to stop there. Their long-range goal is to build an adaptive sports and fitness facility to service the region. This would offer a permanent space for people to form a community that offers sports, recreation, clubs and classes, regardless of their ability.
Like and follow OZASA on Facebook for more events and opportunities to connect with their athletes or to participate in co-ed pick-up games of basketball, pickleball and rugby every Wednesday from 7 - 9 p.m. at the Springdale Recreation Center. For information send email to [email protected].
CLICK HERE for the OZASA Website
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