Adaptive Sports, Health, and Wellness Day

Rutgers University is celebrating an Adaptive Sports, Health, and Wellness Day to showcase abilities, opportunities, and awareness of sports for individuals with disabilities. Attendees can participate in multiple adaptive sports activities through hands-on demonstrations and attend health and wellness workshops. This event is open to all members of Rutgers University and surrounding communities. There will be multiple events and workshops throughout the day.

This is a free event open to students, faculty, staff, and the community. No registration necessary.

Schedule

• 9:30 a.m. Panel 1 - Adaptive Sports for the Blind and Visually Impaired
  • Organizations/Speakers: Blind Athletes Inc., Kevin Orcel, Jasmine Murrell, Jahron Black, Jason Capati, Jeremy Capati, Jenna Leigh
  • Focus: Experiences and challenges of blind athletes, adaptive strategies, and the importance of community support.

• 10:30 a.m. Panel 2 - Breaking Barriers: A Deep Dive Into Adaptive Sports

  • Speakers: John Guimaraes (Navigator Adaptive Sports), Catarina Guimaraes, Ann Marie Santos (Childrens Lighting Wheels), Jahron Black (U.S. Association of Blind Athletes - NY), Jenna Leigh (U.S. Association of Blind Athletes - NJ)

  • Focus: How adaptive sports support physical development, training methods, and inclusion in sports.  

• 11:30 a.m. Panel 3 - Disability Resources  
  • Speakers: Melissa Lomax (Family Resources of NJ)
  • Focus: Overview of resources available to families and individuals, navigating support systems, and community engagement.
• 12:30 p.m. Goalball Demo (inside gym)  
• 1:30 p.m. Blind Soccer, Beep Baseball Demo, and Track and Field Events (outside)
• 2 p.m. Short Program  
  • Jaiver Robles, Director of the Center for Disabilities, Sports, Health and Wellness at the Department of Kinesiology and Health
  • Dr. Brandon Alderman, Department Chair, Department of Kinesiology and Health
  • Paul Goobic, Coordinator, Intramural Sports
  • Kevin Orcell, Coordinator, Blind Athletes, Inc.
  • Jennifer Demby, Coach, Blind Athletes, Inc.
• 2:30 p.m. Pickleball Demo (outside)  
• 3 p.m. Hand Cycle Demo & Other Court Adaptive Sports
• 4:00 p.m. Wheelchair Basketball (gym)

Accessibility Services

• Accessible entrance
• Microphones used to amplify sound
• Accessible seating available

If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the access provided, please call Javier Robles at 848-932-7046 or email javier.robles@rutgers.edu in advance of your participation.