Sport or Activity Description

Recommended Gear

Support & Resources

Basketball: The oldest wheelchair sport is a great way to stay physically fit while participating in an intense team activity.

A standard wheelchair can be used, but you may want to use a special basketball wheelchair with a lighter and smaller frame. 

The National Wheelchair Association organizes leagues and tournaments for players of all abilities.

Tennis: Two ball bounces means you can get to more shots and boost your fitness on the court.

Serious tennis players use a more maneuverable wheelchair with wider wheels and a smaller frame.

The United States Tennis Association has resources and league support for wheelchair athletes nationwide.

Swimming: Swimming can give you a feeling of freedom that you can’t get with other forms of exercise due to buoyancy.

Facilities with a pool are required to have disability access equipment, so all you need are goggles and a swimsuit.

Explore the International Swimming Federation website and USA Swimming.

Softball: This sport is an excellent physical and social activity since you participate in a team environment.

The softball used is 16 inches, and specialty sports wheelchairs are needed for you to participate in this sport.

Visit National Wheelchair Softball Association for information and support.

Wheelchair racing: This popular sport has a long history at the Paralympics. Most major marathons or running races have a wheelchair division.

There’s no need to use a custom racing wheelchair unless you plan on taking racing more seriously. Racing models feature ultra-light frames and aerodynamic wheels.

The Paralympics website provides plenty of a great resources for racing beginners. Check local listings for races and clubs as well.

Downhill skiing: This is an exhilarating sport that can boost coordination and upper body strength.

Special stabilizers and poles are used, depending on the slopes. Those with paraplegia and quadriplegia use a sit-ski, mono-ski, or bi-ski.

For information on skiing, visit the Paralympic website.

Archery: This sport is a unique combination of mental focus, eye-hand coordination, and muscle control.

Visit your local archery range for the needed bows, arrows, and other equipment you need.

Visit World Archery or Team USA Archery for available support and resources.

Wheelchair handbikes: You drive your wheelchair forward using a hand crank, which works your upper body.

You can buy an adapter kit to convert your current wheelchair. Upright or recumbent racing bikes are also a more advanced option.

The Paralympics website provides information on this competitive sport. 

Sled hockey: Some people call this “sledge hockey.” This sport increases stamina, strength, and coordination.

Players fly on the ice with two-skate blades, using two short hockey sticks with ice picks on the bottoms to propel forward. Protective gear is also required.

The Paralympic website is a great resource. If you live in the U.S., you can also visit USA Hockey for more information on sledge hockey.

Football (American): This highly demanding sport brings teamwork and individual performance together for a fun competition.

You can use either a manual sports wheelchair or something that is powered.

The NFL has plans to introduce a new wheelchair football league soon. Check local resources for teams and clubs.

Rugby: For those with tetraplegia and a competitive spirit, it’s a great action-packed, highly physical sport.

Rugby requires a more stable wheelchair, built to take a few collisions, and more maneuverable.

The www.iwrf.com is a great place to start exploring this energetic sport.

Scuba diving: Scuba diving can give you a sense of newfound mobility because of water weightlessness.

Standard scuba is required for everyone. Visit your local dive center for help buying or renting equipment.

Check out the Disabled Divers International and the Handicapped Scuba Association websites.