Programs Offered

GLASA offers many different sport and recreation programs throughout the year. By becoming a GLASA member, you are able to participate in all GLASA programs at no additional cost to you. (Scholarships are available).

Programs vary by season. Recreational and competitive opportunities are available. All athletes MUST sign up for programs each season and RSVP their attendance. If you are new to GLASA, you must contact a member of the Program staff prior to membership and program attendance.


Contact the GLASA Office at 847-283-0908 or [email protected].

Click Here to Become a Member
Click Here to Register for a Program
Air Rifle

The goal of competitive indoor air rifle shooting is using technique, skill and concentration to place a series of shots into the solid center of a target. Competitors using air rifles shoot from a distance of 10 meters at targets held by target frames at a height of 1.4 meters. The target face is comprised of multiple targets, each with 10 concentric scoring rings. The rings are scored from one to 10, with the highest value given for the center ring or “bullseye”. Competition is available at GLASA’s Great Lakes Games in June.

You will gain practical skills in the art of shooting and marksmanship at GLASA’s Air Rifle program. GLASA provides all the rifles, stands, tables, chairs, and pellets. Stands are provided for those who are unable to hold the rifle up.

Teen & Adult (15 years+) – Wheelchair & Ambulatory

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Archery
Archery is a sport that is open to everyone; it is inclusive of all ages, genders, and abilities. Athletes with physical impairments, who may be dissuaded from participating in sports can participate in archery alongside athletes without a disability. Athletes may participate in Archery in a standing, bracing, or sitting position. Archers may select from two types of bows: compound (which require the archer to find their maximum draw weight, relative to the length of the bow) and recurve (which have a fixed weight draw). To participate, archers will want to be able to nock the arrow (place the arrow onto the bow string), lift the bow to shoulder level, draw back to bowstring to your chin and release the arrow towards the target. Once all the arrows have been shot, the archer is expected to retrieve their own arrows. Scoring in target archery competitions is simple. Each target features 10 scoring rings divided among five colors, and the closer to the center of the target, the higher the score.

GLASA provides instruction, assistance with adapting the archery motion, compound bows, arrows, and select adaptive archery equipment. GLASA offers Archery Clinics & Competitions year-round in conjunction with the Chicagoland Adaptive Archery Challenge, a partnership with Shirley Ryan Ability Lab and Synergy Adaptive Athletics, and at GLASA’s Great Lakes Games.

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

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Boccia
Boccia is one of two Paralympic sports that do not have an Olympic counterpart (Goalball being the other). It is a game of strategy and accuracy for individuals with impairments that affect motor skills. The sport is played on a flat, smooth surface, where players must throw or roll colored balls as close as possible to a white target ball, known as the “jack”. The player, pair or team with the most balls near the jack is the winner. The individual and pair matches consist of four ends, while team matches have six ends. After each end, the athletes, pair or team with the ball closest to the jack receive one point, and an additional point for every ball that is closer to the jack than the opponents. Each athlete, pair or team “throws” six balls per end.

GLASA does not currently offer a Boccia program; however, competition is available at GLASA’s Great Lakes Games in June.

Youth, Teen & Adult – Wheelchair & Ambulatory

Couch to 5k
Whether you are running, cycling or road racing, this program is for you! For the beginner to intermediate athlete who is interested in participating in the GLASA Twilight 5k Run, Walk and Roll or just get out for some fresh air. One to five-mile rides/runs available. Cycles and road racers available as needed. Family and friends are welcome to bring their own bikes and join this program too.

This program is offered seasonally with dates and location TBD.
Youth, Teen & Adult – Wheelchair, Ambulatory, & Visual Impairments

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Conditioning
Conditioning is a high-intensity fitness program incorporating elements from several sports and types of exercise. Workouts are modified each day to allow each athlete to achieve their goals while working to increase their physical well-being and cardiovascular fitness.

Certified Personal Trainer and GLASA athlete, Dave Michael, will work with athletes of all fitness and ability levels on sport specific training. The workouts are tailored to meet your personal needs, goals, and interests in order to increase performance.

Offered year-round in both live and virtual formats when possible.
Teen & Adult – Wheelchair, Ambulatory, & Visual Impairments

The live program is part of the Annual Membership Program and participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in. The virtual program is free and available to all. To register for the virtual program, click on “Weekly Virtual Programs” and choose Conditioning.

Cycling
With cycling, work to build your endurance, increase your speed, and improve your technique while enjoying being outside.

Adaptive cycles are available as needed, including hand cycles, recumbent catrikes, tandem bikes and foot powered three wheelers. Family and friends are welcome to bring their own bikes and join this program too. Please see the “Couch to 5k” program and GLASA Twilight 5k for more opportunities.

Opportunities for cycling offered Summer through Fall
Youth, Teen & Adults – Wheelchair, Ambulatory, & Visual Impairments

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Goalball
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, while their opponents, using their bodies to defend the goal, try to stop the ball from scoring. The ball is thrown by hand and never kicked. All players participate while wearing blindfolds and tactile markings on the court are provided to aid with orientation.

GLASA has both male and female teams. Blindfolds, elbow pads, knee pads, and team uniforms are provided.

Youth, Teen & Adult – Visual Impairments

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Golf
Whether you’re looking to learn the basics or improve your game, join us at the driving range or play 18 holes on the golf course. Beginner and elite athletes welcome. GLASA provides golf clubs, instruction, and adaptive golf carts to make the sport of golf accessible to all.

Offered Summer through Fall at Foss Park Golf Club in North Chicago, IL

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

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Horseback Riding
GLASA collaborates with Horsefeathers Therapeutic Riding to offer horseback riding. Horsefeathers is a supportive treatment program for people of all ages and abilities, from beginning to advanced. All sessions are with registered instructors who are certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemen (PATH). All sessions are conducted in a one-on-one calm, non-competitive environment, personalizing the instruction to the abilities of each rider. Using the unique, powerful movement of the horse to awaken and enhance neuromotor function, we help our riders achieve successes that generalize to daily life and build self-esteem.


Please contact Horsefeather at 847-234-2411 to schedule one-on-one sessions.Identify yourself as a GLASA athlete when calling. You must have a current GLASA membership to receive discounted rates.

Offered year round at Horsefeathers Therapeutic Riding, NFP; Lake Forest, IL
Youth, Teen & Adult – Wheelchair & Ambulatory

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Jenny Spengler Running Program
This program is designed to increase your anaerobic fitness level through intervals on the track ranging from 200 meters to 1600 meters. Targeted to both competitive ambulatory and wheelchair track athletes. Wheelchair racers must be 100% independent in their seating and positioning and able to stay in their lane.

Offered Spring through Fall
Wheelchair and Ambulatory

Any questions about the Jenny Spengler Running Program, please contact Cindy Housner at [email protected] or call 847-283-0908.

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Judo
Judo is a martial art that is specifically for individuals with visual impairments. Blind judo players learn the sport and compete alongside of their sighted peers. Judo is supported by the Gurnee Judo Club. Judo takes place in an integrative setting with an opportunity to compete in tournaments.

Offered year round on Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays at Gurnee Judo Club; Gurnee, IL
Youth, Teen & Adult – Visual Impairments

Any questions about Gurnee Judo Club’s program, please contact Cindy Housner at [email protected] or call 847-283-0908.

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Kayaking
Join us to improve your skills in paddling and steering while increasing your endurance and speed, all while enjoying the outdoors. Kayaks, paddles, personal floatation devices and all other adaptive equipment is provided. Single and tandem kayaks will be available to accommodate individuals with all types of physical and visual disabilities.

Offered during the Summer throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin
Youth, Teen & Adult – Wheelchair, Ambulatory & Visual Impairments

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Power Soccer
A sport specifically designed for individuals that use power wheelchairs, power soccer showcases the speed, skill and intensity of traditional soccer. The sport is played indoors on a gym floor and power wheelchairs are equipped with specially designed ‘guards’ to advance the ball down the court.

GLASA has two power soccer teams: a recreational team, designed for beginners, and a competitive team, GLASA Chicago Fire Power Soccer, for those who have experience playing the sport and would like to travel to tournaments throughout the season. GLASA has a limited availability of guards and specialized powerchairs for players to use. Uniforms are provided

Teen & Adult – Manual/Power Wheelchair & Ambulatory

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Powerlifting
Train with National Strength & Conditioning Association Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and Paralympic Powerlifitng Coach, Jim Greco. This program combines a variety of equipment like an adaptive bench press, free weights, and resistance bands each week. This can be on a recreational or competitive basis.

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. Athletes are given three attempts and the winner is the athlete who lifts the highest number of kilograms.

Teen & Adult – Wheelchair & Ambulatory

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Road Racing
GLASA athletes participate in a number of 5k, 10k, half marathon and full marathon races races during the year. 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 so they can learn technique and proper training methods. Road race entry fees, paid directly to race organizers, are NOT included in GLASA’s annual membership fee.

Opportunities offered throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall
Teen & Adult – Wheelchair & Ambulatory

Any questions about GLASA’s Road Racing opportunities, please contact Cindy Housner at [email protected] or call 847-283-0908.

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Sailing
GLASA partners with the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program (JGASP) to offer this program. JGASP includes classroom and on-water instruction in the Freedom 20’s sailboat. This sailboat is the premier boast of choice for an adaptive sailing program with its’ many safety features and accessibility. The Sonar and the 2.4-meter boats are for more advanced racing sailors and are used in world disabled championships, such as the Paralympics. All boats are very stable and will not capsize. Join us on Lake Michigan for a great view of the North Shore. The boats leave out of Lake Forest Beach and travel south.

Offered throughout the Summer in Lake Forest, IL
Youth, Teen & Adult – Wheelchair, Ambulatory & Visual Impairments

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Sled Hockey
Sled hockey follows most of the typical ice hockey rules with the exception some of the equipment. Players sit in specially designed sleds that sit on top of two hockey skate blades. There are two sticks for each player instead of one and the sticks have metal pics on the butt end for players to propel themselves. Assistants are available to support athletes who may not be able to self-propel on the ice.

The program offers youth competitive, adult recreational, and adult competitive teams. GLASA provides all hockey gear (pads, jersey, socks, gloves, helmet, guards) and equipment (sled and sticks) needed to play. The teams may have the opportunity to play in scrimmages, local games, exhibition events, the Heartland Sled Hockey League as well as the Disabled Hockey Festival.

Youth, Teen & Adult – Wheelchair & Ambulatory

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Swimming
The swim program is designed to accommodate a wide variety of swim abilities. GLASA offers learn to swim instruction as well as opportunities for those with more swim experience. Workouts are provided to increase endurance, strength and speed and instruction is given to fine tune technique.

Competitive opportunities are available locally and throughout the Midwest.

Youth, Teen & Adult – Wheelchair & Ambulatory

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Tennis
Adaptive tennis follows generally the same rules as able-bodied tennis as endorsed by the International Tennis Federation, except the wheelchair tennis player is allowed two bounces of the ball. The player must return the ball before it hits the ground a third time. The wheelchair is part of the body and all applicable ITF Rules which apply to a player’s body shall apply to the wheelchair. This program will work on improving hand-eye coordination, strength, and concentration.

Instruction is provided for intermediate and tournament level players who are ambulatory or use a manual or power chair. Players can use a sports chair which can be provided. GLASA’s Tennis program is coached by Paul Moran, Tennis and Seated Volleyball Paralympian and Mile Carrico, USTA Pro. Instruction is provided for intermediate and tournament level players who are ambulatory or use a manual chair. Players can use a sports chair which can be provided.

Offered year round at A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center; Winnetka, IL
Saturdays  |  2:00 – 4:00 pm
Youth, Teen & Adult – Wheelchair & Ambulatory

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Track and Field
GLASA provides a continuum of coaching for both ambulatory and wheelchair track and field from the beginner to elite level athlete. Being part of Team GLASA provides access to equipment (based on availability), cross training, funding resources, logistical assistance, individual goal setting, and a schedule of competitions based on the caliber of the athlete.  Competition opportunities are at the local, regional, and national level. GLASA encourages its athletes to train with their school and community team whenever feasible.  Technical expertise, equipment and other support can be provided to school and community programs.

Once weekly practices are conducted in spring and summer, along with year-round clinics and consultations. GLASA coaches have an extensive background in track and field, including USA Track and Field (USATF) Level 1 Certification, United States Paralympic Track and Field Certification and international track and field experience.

Sighted guides can be available if needed.

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

Any questions about GLASA’s Track & Field program, please contact Cindy Housner at [email protected] or call 847-283-0908.

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Virtual Programs
As the COVID Pandemic sidelined most of our live progrms, GLASA quickly pivoted to having virtual programs via Zoom. We found a whole new way to reach people with a physical or visual disability who were wanting to remain active. We continue to offer these virtual classes in addition to ln-person programs.

Virtual programs are typically weekly with some special events held occasionally throughout the year. These classes are free to join. Classes offered include Overall Conditioning, Upper Body Conditioning, Adaptive Yoga, Abdominal Workouts, Roller Workouts for wheelchair racers, Boxing and more.

Offered year-round via Zoom.
Youth, Teen & Adult – Wheelchair & Ambulatory

Any questions about GLASA’s Virtual Program, please contact Cindy Housner at [email protected] or call 847-283-0908.

Water Skiing
Adaptive water-ski equipment offers a unique opportunity for individuals with mobility, visual, or other impairments to experience the joys and benefits of water sports. GLASA’s waterskiing program is conducted by the H2O Adaptive Sports. Sit skis, stand up skis and other adaptive equipment will be available. Join us on the beautiful Lake Mary, located in Twin Lakes, WI. This is a great outing for family and friends. No prior experience is needed.

Offered during the Summer in Southern Wisconsin
Youth, Teen & Adult – Wheelchair, Ambulatory & Visual Impairments

Any questions about GLASA’s Adaptive Waterskiing program, please contact Cindy Housner at [email protected] or call 847-283-0908.

This program is included in the Annual GLASA Membership. Participants with a current Membership must be registered for all sports programs they are involved in. Those without a Membership may attend based on availability, however, additional fees may be required. A current waiver must also be on file.

Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair basketball is played by individuals with varying physical disabilities that precludes them from playing competitive stand up basketball. One of the misconceptions of wheelchair basketball is that you must use a chair for everyday mobility to play the sport.; In fact, many wheelchair basketball athletes are ambulatory. Governed by the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA), there are very few rule differences between stand up and wheelchair basketball. The NWBA rules are based on the NCAA rules with the following differences:

  • You must dribble once for every two pushes to avoid traveling
  • There is no double dribble violation
  • The front casters of the shooter’s chair may be over the free-throw and three-point lines during a shot, the rear wheels must remain behind the lines until the ball is released
  • There is still a 3-second lane violation, however, if a person is trapped in the lane and continues to try to exit the lane a 3-second violation will not be called
  • Junior Prep Division: utilizes a Spalding Rookie ball that is smaller and lighter than a women’s ball, plays with an 8’-6” high basket, uses a 13’ free-throw line, and plays four eight-minute quarters

GLASA has two teams (the GLASA G-Cats), a Junior Prep Division team and a Junior Varsity Division team. The G-Cats travel to at least one tournament per month during the season, with the opportunity to qualify for the IHSA State Tournament and the National Junior Wheelchair Basketball Tournament. Players will use a sports chair which will be provided by GLASA.

Offered Fall through Winter
Youth & Teen – Wheelchair & Ambulatory

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Wheelchair Football
The game of wheelchair football is typically played on a standard basketball court following similar rules to the able-bodied game of American football. Modifications are made to the rules based on court size, number and ability level of players participating. Players will work on quick and powerful movements, such as cutting, blocking, sprinting and tackling (two-hand touch), which will assist with building cardiovascular and muscular strength.

For individuals who are ambulatory (walk upright), utilize a manual or power wheelchair or have no disability, all are welcome. Scrimmages will be conducted amongst players. Sports chairs will be available to all players.

GLASA is proud to have a team in the USA Wheelchair Football League (USAWFL) made possible by the Bob Woodfull Foundation NFL grant. Formed in 2020, the USAWFL is the first of its kind football league for adults with disabilities to reach their highest potential through a competitive, fast-paced, team sport. The USAWFL brings together highly trained coaches with passionate athletes, building skills and inspiring athletes to excel both on and off the field through teamwork, dedication, and resilience. The GLASA Bears team will hold tryouts and practices to prepare for competition against other teams throughout the nation. To learn more about the GLASA Bears, click HERE.

Teen & Adult – Wheelchair & Ambulatory
Recreational and Competitive (USA Wheelchair Football League)

This program is part of the Annual Membership Program. All participants must have a current GLASA Membership and be registered for all sports programs they are involved in.

Yoga
Traditional Yoga poses are adapted to meet the needs of all participants rather than fitting or forcing the body into a particular pose. 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 so one-on-one assistance can be provided.

Participants must be independent with free movements and transfers.

Available through GLASA’s Weekly Virtual Programs
Youth, Teen & Adult – Wheelchair, Ambulatory & Visual Impairments