SLED HOCKEY

Sled hockey is an exciting alternative sport that uses the rules of hockey. However, instead of skating, the players sit on a specially designed sled and use two short ice picks to propel themselves across the ice. Standard hockey rules apply. Legal body contact and raised puck shooting are as much a part of sled hockey as they are in traditional hockey equipment.

Equipment for the sport consists of a tubular framed sledge, about 1.5 meters (4-5 feet) long and approximately 7 cm (3 inches of the ice, with two hockey skate blades mounted beneath the seat. A portion of the front frame rests on the ice and provides lateral stability. Straps around the ankles, knees, and waist securely hold the player on the sledge.

Two half meter (1.5 foot) "sticks" are used. The "sticks" are modified hockey sticks with 4 cm teeth attached to the bottom of the non-blade end. Leaning left or right while digging the stick into the ice, turns the sled. Players slide to a stop on one or both blades like a skater. All players wear regulation protective hockey equipment. Who Can Play?

The wonderful thing about sled hockey is that anyone can play. This sport is played by both males and females. It’s a sport that totally integrates players with mobility limitations, amputees, and able-bodied people with knee, leg or hip injuries that limit their participation in standard hockey.

There are two divisions of play: Juniors (beginning players 17 years of age and under as of December 31st, of the current year) and Adults (18 years of age and over as of January 1st, of the current year). Juniors can play up.

SWIMMING

DASA swimming lessons are taught with the idea of water safety first then technique. Children are taught to put full face in the water, they are then taught to roll from belly to back to recover in the water.

Typically, the DASA swimmers do not use floatation devices. This lends to a better self-awareness of their body and their abilities in the water.

The DASA Swim Team has been competing since 2003. The team has grown from two athletes to 15 athletes that competed this year at Nationals in Tampa Florida.

The athletes must be able to independently complete a 50 meter course to make the swim team. The swim team competes in all swim strokes including free style, butterfly, breast and backstroke. The swimmers compete against other swimmers their age and functional ability level.

TRACK AND FIELD

DASA track and field consists of stand up runners and racing chair racers. Athletes with little to no use of their legs will typically use a racing chair to run. Racing Chair is more efficient if you also have functional use of both arms. Athletes with CP, Developmental Delay, and Visual Impairments will run.

The DASA Dynamite Track and Field team has been competing since 1998. Track and field events consist of those that are also sanctioned by USA Track and Field. Athletes compete against other athletes of same age and functional ability.


POWER WHEELCHAIR SOCCER

The most popular sport in the world, Soccer, is now quickly becoming the most popular sport for people who recently never had the chance to play sports.

Power soccer does not limit itself to athletes with just paraplegia or amputees like most wheelchair sports. Power soccer is a sport in which even those with very limited physical abilities can still participate and be successful.

The DASA team consists of children and adults 5 to 60. Some might walk between games others use power chairs as their primary means of mobility. On the Power Soccer field every athlete is equal!

Power Soccer is played on a basketball court 4 on 4. The power chair is equipped with a guard on the front of the chair, which is used to dribble the 13 inch soccer ball. The game takes a lot of strategic planning and control of the chair.


ARCHERY

What started as a recreational session and one athlete wanting to compete, has turned into a DASA team of archers. DASA’s founding competitor, Brian Cressler, has limited use of one of his arms, so he uses his teeth to draw the bow back. He was so inspiring, other DASA athletes wanted to try it out. We now have a competitive archery team that will compete regionally.

ROCK CLIMBING

Rock climbing is an amazing sport for our athletes. This sport is so therapeutic because it encourages stretching and reaching in a fun way. At DASA, we make sure that every kid can make it to the top! We have professional rock climbers making sure this activity is completely safe for our athletes and volunteers.

The game of wheelchair tennis follows 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.

STAND UP SOCCER

Stand Up Soccer…is just that: soccer for our ambulatory athletes. Coaches work on drills and ball control. The goal is to let the DASA kids just be kids in a safe environment.

CHEERLEADING

Go team! In 2008, DASA began a cheerleading squad that will be competing in local competitions and performing their cheers and dances at DASA’s local events. The DASA athletes attend weekly practices to learn cheers while also gaining the self confidence to perform in front of large groups.

 

 

Why learn to pop a wheelie in your wheelchair during a therapy session when you can learn it while taking martial arts? In recreational martial arts, DASA athletes learn about the disapline and movement in the sport. This program will accomodate wheelchairs and ambulators alike.