SPORTS & PROGRAMS

Something for Everyone: Recreational & Competitive Adaptive Sports

Get in the Game!

365 days a year, GLASA has something to offer through our adaptive sports programs. No one sits on the sidelines at GLASA. Become a monthly or annual member to participate in all of the GLASA programs. Scholarships are available. Connect with a GLASA team member and we can help get you in the game!

GLASA Programs

New to GLASA? Contact the GLASA office by email or calling 847.283.0908.

If you are interested in trying your first GLASA program, sign up for a 30-day free trial.

Become a
GLASA member

Click Here

Equipment Lending

Need equipment? We’ve got you covered. Our team is here to help you get in the game!

Jump to Equipment Lending

Ability Awareness Program

We would love to come give a presentation and share our passion for inclusion. Learn more about our program.

Jump to Ability Awareness Program

Thank You Program Partners!

Let’s play!

With more than 20+ adaptive sports programs to get involved with, there is something for everyone at GLASA. We offer adaptive recreational and competitive sports for ages 3-75+.

Archery
Boccia
Conditioning
Goalball
Golf
Injured Military
Marathon
Pickleball
Powerlifting
Power Soccer
Road Racing
Shooting
Sled Hockey
Swim
Tennis
Track & Field
Virtual Programs
Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair Football
Yoga
Other: Cycling, Judo, Kayaking, Sailing & Water Skiing

Archery

About: Archery is open to everyone. Athletes may participate in Archery in a standing, bracing or sitting position.

How to Engage: GLASA provides instruction, assistance with adapting the archery motion, compound bows, arrows and additional adaptive archery equipment.

Youth, Teen & Adult (Ages 8+) - Wheelchair & Ambulatory

Coach: Mac Stevenson

Upcoming Events:

Two people in wheelchairs in front of archery target.

Archery

Archery

Date Apr 1 - Jun 10, 2024Time 6:30 pm - 8:00 pmVenue Canlan Sports LibertyvilleCategory Archery

Archery is open to wheelchair and ambulatory athletes age 8+ that may participate in a standing, bracing or sitting position. GLASA provides instruction, assistance with adapting the archery motion, compound bows, arrows, and select adaptive archery equipment.

More Info

Boccia

About: Boccia is one of two Paralympic sports that does not have an Olympic counterpart. It is a game of strategy and accuracy for individuals with impairments that affect motor skills.

How to Engage: Boccia is played on a flat, smooth surface, where athletes must throw or roll colored balls as close as possible to the white target ball, known as the jack.

Youth, Teen & Adult - Wheelchair & Ambulatory - Open Division Only

Upcoming Events:

Conditioning

About: Conditioning incorporates elements from several sports and types of exercise to support the overall health and wellness of GLASA athletes.

How to Engage: Workouts are modified to allow each athlete to achieve their goals while working to increase their physical well-being and cardiovascular fitness.

Teen & Adult – Wheelchair, Ambulatory & Visual Impairments

Strength & Conditioning Coach: Dave Michael

Functional Fitness Coach: Greg Grigoropoulos

Upcoming Events:

Goalball

About: Goalball is a Paralympic sport designed specifically for athletes with a visual impairment. Players compete in teams of three, throwing a ball that has bells embedded in it down the court to attempt to score a goal. Their opponents, using their bodies to defend the goal, try to stop the ball from being scored.

How to Engage: Athletes participate while wearing blindfolds, and tactile markings on the court are provided to aid with orientation. Blindfolds, elbow pads, knee pads and team uniforms are provided.

Youth, Teen & Adult (Ages 12+) - Visual Impairments & Blind

Coaches:Dan Galvin, Jeff Lichwa & Nan Rush

Upcoming Events:

Golf

About: Whether you are looking to learn the basics or improve your game, join us at the driving range or play 18 holes on the golf course.

How to Engage: Beginner to elite athletes are welcome. GLASA provides golf clubs, instruction and adaptive golf carts to make the sport of golf accessible to all.

Youth, Teen & Adult – Wheelchair, Ambulatory & Visual Impairments

Coach:Patrick Byrne

Upcoming Events:

Injured Military

About: GLASA offers sport and recreation programs that are specifically designed to meet the needs of injured military Veterans who may have PTSD or a physical or visual disability, such as amputation, spinal cord injury, stroke, visual impairment, TBI and more. Injured Veterans are welcome to join in any of the 20+ GLASA adaptive sports programs for FREE. Please contact info@glasa.org for more information.

Additional programs and services may include:

  • Adaptive Sports Clinics at Hines VA, Jesse Brown VA, Lovell VA, and Milwaukee VA
  • Certified Coaching
  • Competition and Training
  • One-on-One Assessment
  • Education and Instruction
  • Equipment Lending
  • Leisure Planning
  • Peer Mentoring

Upcoming Events:

Marathon

About: GLASA is officially accepting applications for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon! Gain a guaranteed entry to the race by fundraising for the GLASA mission. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon hosts thousands of racers who choose to make their experience more meaningful by running or rolling on behalf of a charity.

How to Engage: Any questions about the GLASA BOA Chicago Marathon Team, please contact Kelly Candotti Habas. Apply here to join Team GLASA for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon!

Teen & Adult (Ages 16+) - Wheelchair, Ambulatory & Able-Bodied

Coach: Hannah Sperry

Upcoming Events:

Marathon

Marathon

Date Oct 12 - 13, 2024Time All Day EventCategory Marathon

Join Team GLASA in 2024 and make an incredible impact! Charity racers raise money for a great cause while securing their guaranteed entry to the Chicago Marathon. GLASA will cover your registration fee, provide apparel, host hospitality spaces on marathon day and more t...

More Info

Pickleball

Pickleball

About:Pickleball is a paddle sport played using a perforated, plastic ball over a tennis-type net on a badminton-sized court. The game can be played in a singles or doubles format. Wheelchair pickleball is played similarly to the game of stand up pickleball. One difference is wheelchair athletes may allow the ball to bounce twice before returning it to the other side of the net and the wheelchair is considered part of the athlete’s body during play.

Instruction is provided on rules, strategy and technique.

How to Engage:

Sport chairs are available to use upon request.

Youth, Teen & Adult (Ages 6+) - Wheelchair & Ambulatory

Coach: "Pickleball Pete" Peterson

Upcoming Events:

Powerlifting

About: Train with GLASA with support from a National Strength & Conditioning Association certified specialist and Paralympic powerlifting coaches.

How to Engage: For competition, the bench press is the sport’s single discipline, with 10 different categories based on body weight. Competitors must lower the bar to the chest, hold it motionless on the chest and then press it upwards to arm’s length with locked elbows.

Teen & Adult

Coach: Jim Greco & Charlie Nabor

Upcoming Events:

Power Soccer

About: Power soccer is an adaptive sport specifically designed for individuals that use power wheelchairs. Power soccer showcases the speed, skill and intensity of traditional soccer.

How to Engage: The sport is played indoors on a gym floor and power wheelchairs are equipped with guards to advance the ball down the court.

Youth, Teen & Adult (Ages 8+) - Wheelchair & Ambulatory

Coach: David Rodriguez

Upcoming Events:

Road Racing

About: GLASA athletes participate in several 5K, 10K, half and full marathon races during the year including the GLASA Twilight Run/Walk/Roll each fall.

How to Engage: Athletes can participate using a racing wheelchair or by running in events. Athletes interested in road racing are also encouraged to be a part of the track program to learn technique and proper training methods. Many athletes participate with Team GLASA at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon each October.

Teen & Adult - Wheelchair & Ambulatory

Coach: Amie Day

Upcoming Events:

Shooting

About: Gain practical skills in the art of shooting and marksmanship at the GLASA Shooting program. GLASA provides air rifles, targets, tables, chairs and pellets.

How to Engage: Stands are provided as needed to assist with holding the air rifle up.

Youth, Teen & Adult (Ages 8+) - Wheelchair & Ambulatory

Coach:Tom Daily

Upcoming Events:

Sled Hockey

About: GLASA is part of the Falcons Hockey Association with both competitive and recreational sled hockey teams. Sled hockey follows most of the rules of ice hockey except for equipment. Able-bodied hockey players are encouraged to support as pushers for sled hockey athletes.

How to Engage: Players sit in fitted sleds that sit on top of two hockey skate blades. There are two sticks for each player and the sticks have metal pics on the end for players to propel themselves on the ice.

Youth, Teen & Adult - Wheelchair & Ambulatory

Coach: Andy Burkhart, Mike Reinhart, Adam Rosuck 

Upcoming Events:

Swim

About: Competitive and learn-to-swim programs are available for GLASA athletes. Many athletes strive to swim with a club or high school, and the GLASA program helps to fulfill that desire.

How to Engage: The competitive swim program is designed for athletes who can swim at least 50 meters consecutively and can be completely independent while in the water without volunteer or coach assistance needed.

The learn-to-swim program is for individuals age 8+ who have a physical or visual disability that are new to swimming, Athletes will have a one-on-one volunteer swim instructor.

Youth, Teen & Adult (Ages 8+) - Wheelchair & Ambulatory

Coaches:Katee Housner, Kelly Linneman, Peter Alexander, Isabella Palmerio & Alexis Donnan

Upcoming Events:

Tennis

About: Instruction is provided for beginner, intermediate and tournament level players who are ambulatory or use a manual or power chair. Tennis is a year-round adaptive sport.

How to Engage: Tennis sport chairs are available to use upon request.

Youth, Teen & Adult (Ages 6+) - Wheelchair & Ambulatory

Tournaments: GLASA Chicago Wheelchair Classic Tennis Tournament October 27 - 29, 2023

Coaches:Mike Carrico & Paul Moran

Upcoming Events:
2 wheelchair tennis players celebrating by touching racquets.

Adaptive Tennis

Adaptive Tennis

Date March 23, 2024Time 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmVenue A.C. Nielsen Tennis CenterCategory Tennis

Instruction is provided for all levels of athletes age 6+ who are ambulatory, use a manual or power chair. Sports chairs are available upon request. Recreational and youth practice is from 2-3:00 PM. Intermediate and tournament level practice is from 2-4:00 PM.

More Info

2 wheelchair tennis players celebrating by touching racquets.

Adaptive Tennis

Adaptive Tennis

Date March 30, 2024Time 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmVenue A.C. Nielsen Tennis CenterCategory Tennis

Instruction is provided for all levels of athletes age 6+ who are ambulatory, use a manual or power chair. Sports chairs are available upon request. Recreational and youth practice is from 2-3:00 PM. Intermediate and tournament level practice is from 2-4:00 PM.

More Info

2 wheelchair tennis players celebrating by touching racquets.

Adaptive Tennis

Adaptive Tennis

Date April 6, 2024Time 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmVenue A.C. Nielsen Tennis CenterCategory Tennis

Instruction is provided for all levels of athletes age 6+ who are ambulatory, use a manual or power chair. Sports chairs are available upon request. Recreational and youth practice is from 2-3:00 PM. Intermediate and tournament level practice is from 2-4:00 PM.

More Info

2 wheelchair tennis players celebrating by touching racquets.

Adaptive Tennis

Adaptive Tennis

Date April 13, 2024Time 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmVenue A.C. Nielsen Tennis CenterCategory Tennis

Instruction is provided for all levels of athletes age 6+ who are ambulatory, use a manual or power chair. Sports chairs are available upon request. Recreational and youth practice is from 2-3:00 PM. Intermediate and tournament level practice is from 2-4:00 PM.

More Info

2 wheelchair tennis players celebrating by touching racquets.

Adaptive Tennis

Adaptive Tennis

Date April 20, 2024Time 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmVenue A.C. Nielsen Tennis CenterCategory Tennis

Instruction is provided for all levels of athletes age 6+ who are ambulatory, use a manual or power chair. Sports chairs are available upon request. Recreational and youth practice is from 2-3:00 PM. Intermediate and tournament level practice is from 2-4:00 PM.

More Info

2 wheelchair tennis players celebrating by touching racquets.

Adaptive Tennis

Adaptive Tennis

Date April 27, 2024Time 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmVenue A.C. Nielsen Tennis CenterCategory Tennis

Instruction is provided for all levels of athletes age 6+ who are ambulatory, use a manual or power chair. Sports chairs are available upon request. Recreational and youth practice is from 2-3:00 PM. Intermediate and tournament level practice is from 2-4:00 PM.

More Info

Track & Field

About: GLASA provides a continuum of coaching for both ambulatory and wheelchair track and field from the beginner to elite level athlete. 

How to Engage: Being part of Team GLASA provides access to equipment, cross-training, dedicated coaches with Paralympic experience, logistical assistance, individual goal setting, and a schedule of competitions based on the caliber of the athlete.

Youth, Teen & Adult - Wheelchair & Ambulatory

Coaches: Amie Day, Randy Housner, Gail Daily, Brea Perron, Brock Masters, Steve Smith & Kara Bolton

Upcoming Events:

Virtual Programs

About: The roller workouts provide a variety of pushes to enhance speed, cardio and endurance for the beginner to the competitive racer.

How to Engage: Live classes are available during the track season and virtual classes throughout the year. GLASA's wheelchair track coach and 2000 Wheelchair Track Paralympian, Amie Day, is a Level 1 USATF coach and holds a United States Paralympic Track and Field certification.

Teen & Adult - Wheelchair & Ambulatory

Coach: Amie Day

Upcoming Events:

Wheelchair Basketball

About: Wheelchair basketball is played by individuals with varying physical disabilities. GLASA Wheelchair Basketball is made up of three teams: a Junior Prep Division team, a Varsity Division team and an Adult Recreational team.

How to Engage: Players will use a sport chair provided by GLASA or use their own sport chair.

Youth, Teen & Adult (Ages 6+) - Wheelchair & Ambulatory

Tournaments: Timmy G Classic Wheelchair Basketball Tournament November 18 - 19, 2023

Coaches: Mak Nong, Josh Fabian, Alec Tranel

Upcoming Events:

Wheelchair Football

About: Wheelchair football offers both a recreational team and a competitive team, the GLASA Chicago Bears Wheelchair Football Team. The competitive team travels to tournaments nationally as part of the USA Wheelchair Football League and tryouts are offered annually.

How to Engage: Wheelchair football players work on quick and powerful movements, such as cutting, blocking, sprinting and tackling (two-hand touch), which builds cardiovascular and muscular strength. Individuals who are ambulatory, use a manual or power wheelchair, or have no disability are all welcome. Sport chairs are available.

Teen & Adult – Wheelchair & Ambulatory

Tournaments: GLASA USAWFL Chicago Football Tournament August 18 - 20, 2023

Coaches: Jason Sfire & Daniel Venus

Upcoming Events:

Yoga

About: Traditional yoga poses are adapted to meet the needs of all participants rather than fitting or forcing the body into a particular pose.

How to Engage: Adaptive yoga techniques are used to get each participant down on the mat, out of their shoes and out of their chair! Class sizes are small to provide one-on-one assistance.

Youth, Teen & Adult – Wheelchair, Ambulatory & Visual Impairments

Coaches: Areta Verschoor & Ana Holland Krawec

Upcoming Events:

Other: Cycling, Judo, Kayaking, Sailing & Water Skiing

Water Ski

About: Adaptive water ski offers a unique opportunity for individuals with mobility, visual or other impairments to experience the joys and benefits of water sports in Southern Wisconsin.

How to Engage: The GLASA water ski program is a partnership with H2O Adaptive Sports. Sit-skis, stand-up skis and other adaptive equipment is available. No prior experience is needed.

Youth, Teen & Adult – Wheelchair, Ambulatory & Visual Impairments

Coach: H2O Adaptive Sports Team

Cycling

About: Work to build your endurance, increase your speed, and improve your technique while enjoying being outside.

How to Engage: Adaptive cycles are available as needed, including hand cycles, catrike bikes, tandem bikes and foot-powered three-wheelers.

Youth, Teen & Adults – Wheelchair, Ambulatory & Visual Impairments

Coaches: Cindy Housner & Randy Housner

Upcoming Events:

EQUIPMENT LENDING PROGRAM

ACCESS ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT. ANYWHERE. ANYTIME.

Play wheelchair basketball on the playground, go for a bike ride in the forest preserve, or take on a 5K. GLASA offers an equipment lending program giving athletes access to adaptive equipment whenever needed.

Prior to equipment lending, athletes must meet with GLASA for a fitting, use training and safety briefing. For more information, please contact by email or call 847.283.0908.

  • Sport Wheelchairs
  • Racing Wheelchairs
  • Handcycles
  • Tandem Bicycles
  • Recumbent Catrike Bicycles
  • & More

GLASA ABILITY AWARENESS PROGRAM

ADAPTIVE SPORTS OUTREACH & EDUCATION

Do you work with a school or community group that wants to learn more about adaptive sports and the Paralympic movement? The GLASA Ability Awareness Program offers opportunities to work with schools and community organizations to support youth with physical or visual disabilities and champion the ability for students to successfully participate in school athletics.

ATHLETICS FOR ALL

Do you want to participate in after-school athletics or compete on your high school sports team? GLASA provides tools and guidelines for coaches, athletic directors and school administrators to include students with physical disabilities in interscholastic sports.

Participate. Compete. Thrive.

GLASA offers ability awareness resources year-round to support our athletes and our community to support inclusivity. For more information or to request a GLASA speaker or adaptive sports demonstration, email or call 847.283.0908.

How can we help?

The GLASA Ability Awareness Program can be customized to meet the needs of your school or organization.

Click Here

Stay connected! Sign up here.