Adaptive Sports Bring Active Lifestyle to the North Shore

For the second year in a row Spaulding Hospital North Shore and Northeast Passage are bringing adaptive sports back to the North Shore.

Throughout the summer, participants will be able to enjoy adaptive biking, tennis, and kayaking. The goal of the Adaptive Sports Program is to provide people with an injury or disability, the opportunity to enjoy the summer weather and cool-ocean water alongside their friends or family members. Last year, over 20 North Shore residents participated in Spaulding’s Adaptive Sports Program.

“Adaptive biking has given me back some freedom by offering me the opportunity to simply ride along a bike path,” said Tom Leonard, patient at Spaulding Outpatient Center Salem. "Joining the adaptive sports program has given me the chance to enjoy the outdoors just as much as I did before my injury.”

Adaptive Biking will be held in the morning at Spaulding North Shore and afternoon sessions will be held at local area bike paths with Spaulding therapists.  The adaptive bikes are modified to meet individual needs before heading out onto the trails. These high-tech bikes give anyone with a disability the opportunity to go out and enjoy the many trails and beautiful parks on the North Shore.  Adaptive Kayaking will be held at every Friday with two sessions, the first starting at 10 a.m. and the second session starting at 12:30 p.m. 

“Spaulding’s Adaptive Sports Program encourages anyone with a disability to get out and be active. Whether you’re recovering from a stroke, use a prosthetic or simply gave up a sport due to chronic pain, we have a bike that will be perfect for you. Bikes can be modified to support a person’s particular goals, whether that is strengthening your arms or regaining movement in your legs,” said Kathleen Salas, PT, Clinical Specialist, Coordinator of Spaulding Adaptive Sports Center North Shore.   

Northeast Passage is offering four opportunities to water-ski at Lake Attitash in Merrimac. Disabled athletes who are interested in water sports and who are looking for a new exciting challenge are encouraged to participate. Waterskiing will be offered on July 10 and 17, and Aug. 7 and 14.

“Participating in Adaptive Sports provides a great opportunity for Spaulding patients, families, and friends to get the entire family involved in sports, said Dave Lee, Assistant Director, Program Operations for Northeast Passage. Establishing an active, healthier lifestyle not only improves our participants’ fitness and confidence, but will help build friendships throughout the North Shore communities.”

To sign up call 978.825.8700, or for more information about the North Shore Adaptive Sports Program, email Kathleen Salas at ksalas@partners.org