League to receive national award for support, advocacy of Adapted Athletics
Posted: Friday, October 25, 2024 - 8:24 AM
The American Association of AdaptED Sports Programs is a non-profit organization founded in 1996 to serve students with disabilities and is dedicated to the development of Adapted Athletics programs in partnership with national, state and local agencies.
In 1992, the Minnesota State High School League’s Board of Directors voted overwhelmingly to support the inclusion of students with disabilities to provide opportunities to participate in education-based activities. The League’s sponsorship was trailblazing as it became the first state high school association to sanction Adapted Athletics.
An Adapted Soccer State Tournament made its debut a year later. The opportunities blossomed from there and now include current-day experiences available in Adapted Floor Hockey, Adapted Bowling and Adapted Softball. More than 70 Member Schools and 1,000 students participate annually in the League’s Adapted Athletics programs. While a handful of state associations offer Adapted Athletics, none are more robust than Minnesota’s footprint.
The League will be recognized for its trailblazing advocacy and three decades of support when it receives the prestigious Founders Award from the American Association of AdaptED Sports Programs. League Executive Director Erich Martens will accept the award on behalf of the Member Schools during the ASPIRE Awards recognition event on Sunday, Oct. 27 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The AAASP is a non-profit organization founded in 1996 to serve students with disabilities and is dedicated to the development of Adapted Athletics programs in partnership with national, state and local agencies.
“Minnesota has been so fortunate to have innovative educators with foresight and the passion to break barriers for all students,” Martens said. “These programs provide incredible experiences for so many, and I am humbled to accept this award on behalf of all who have made these programs possible.”
The earliest roots of Adapted Athletics in Minnesota date to 1969 when Marshall University High School in Minneapolis began to integrate opportunities for students with disabilities through its physical education curriculum. Using the NCAA Hockey Rulebook as a guide, rules were rewritten to provide guidance in playing Adapted Floor Hockey. In 1974, the first Adapted Floor Hockey league was created with four teams.
A decade later, Adapted Soccer was created with goals represented by tape on the wall. Goals would later evolve into nets built of PVC piping.
“The spirit and camaraderie displayed in these events is powerful,” Martens said. “We are so proud to be part of this education-based opportunity for students.”
Soccer is one of four Adapted Athletics activities available for Member School students. The others are Floor Hockey, Bowling and Softball.
More than 1,000 students from 70 Member Schools participate annually in Adapted Athletics.
