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Sports for All Sorts: A Group Like No Other
Troy Love
Department of Sport Management, Liberty
University Dr. Thomas M. Mingus
December 18th, 2020
Authors Note
Troy Love https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4945-5578
Troy Love is now at the School of Business, Department of Sports Management, Liberty
University
We have no conflict of interest to disclose
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Troy Love, Liberty
University, 1971 University Boulevard Lynchburg, VA 24515. Email: tmlove2@liberty.edu
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Abstract
This plan will fully describe the sports outreach, Sports for All Sorts, in its entirety as an
adaptive sports outreach in Charlotte, North Carolina. This final plan will also showcase what
this outreach group’s intentions truly are. It will include demographic, religious ties, and
ministry, as well as other key aspects such as funding and staffing. There will be several
examples and highlights showcasing what Sports for All Sorts are capable of doing and their
strong intention on being a productive and innovative adaptive sports program for now and the
future.
Keywords: adaptive sports, outreach
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Introduction
Some of the world’s fondest memories come from sport. Whether it was a triumphant
win over an archrival or a personal goal finally met after mast exhaustion and preparation,
society today has been molded in some way by sports. Sports talk is one of the highest in the
world and people everywhere search for new opportunities as they age and mature. This has not
been the case for most children and adults with disabilities and limited opportunities in several
areas and places. Merriam Webster (2020) defines outreach as the extending of services or
assistance beyond current or usual limits. Every child is meant to be active for 60 minutes a day,
four to five days a week, yet today’s youth with disabilities fail to reach this number every day.
Strangely enough, most adaptive programs and opportunities are rarely found in most areas,
especially those in poverty.
Adaptive Sport is a topic that many are intrigued by or simply ignore. The world lives in
willful blindness, adopting an attitude to only take matters or opinions that affect their society
and wellbeing. The name Sports for All Sorts is one that may cause the general public to raise
eyes and pay attention to this need in the world today. Sports of All Sorts is exactly what it says,
sports for all, no matter what. No child would be left behind or felt out. No adult would feel
alone in the search for physical achievement and perseverance as this outreach group and
organization would shape leagues around the Charlotte Mecklenburg area, and create
opportunities that people never once thought were possible. Through the group’s strong mission,
Christian principles, and community support, Sports for All Sorts would break barriers in society.
An article by Alexandra Moyer states that there are several benefits to offering sports to children
with disabilities that include enhancement of gross motor skills, social and communication
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abilities, and improve their overall health and wellbeing (2011). People have to perceive how
difficult this is for people with disabilities by rotating the metaphorical box and seeing it from
their side
For most children with disabilities, it proves quite difficult to participate in sports.
Combine medications, limited mobility, the need for assistance (such as certified coaches,
trainers, or guides), and sensory issues regarding food, it almost seems impossible to reach this
group in an effective or meaningful way (Holecko, 2020). Within most cities, opportunities grow
and become more accessible, but not at the pace of privatized or for-profit sports groups. For
instance, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Greater Charlotte has currently two
programs, Miracle League Baseball and Adaptive Water Ski, that pertain to children with
disability in the Charlotte area and surrounding cities (YMCA of Greater Charlotte, n.d.). While
this is a great start, one has to wonder why it is only limited to two opportunities.
As a whole, the Greater Charlotte area has multiple places that offer opportunities for
those who are disabled, but Charlotte is massive in size so it is very misleading. North Davidson,
also known as NoDa to locals, is one of the lowest income areas in Charlotte and continues to be
high in poverty (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). Upon further research, there is one opportunity with
Atrium Health, a hospital that created ASAP, which stands for Adaptive Sports and Adventure
Program, whose efforts do acknowledge all neighboring areas, due to its massive reach and
locations for physical therapy and support among the community (Atrium Health, n.d.).
Why People with Disabilities in Low-Income Households Deserve Sports
The Bible tells readers in several passages, chapters, and verses that all are created equal
under him and are taught to treat each other under that premise. Sports teach valuable lessons
and create powerful characteristics that carry on for all of the participant’s life. From teamwork
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to leadership to having an efficient and proficient work ethic, sports help shape and mold people
in society. Low-income households are typically where these powerful characteristics are often
missing. Combine this with the struggles that were mentioned in the article written by Alexandra
Moyer (2011), it can be quite hard for parents and families to instill values into their disabled
children and adults.
A powerful, motivated, and encouraging leader can be a perfect role model for people in
this area, growing them and leading them through their troubling time. Adaptive sports take
simple sports such as basketball, baseball, and bowling, and use them to build stronger and
resilient children and athletes in ways they never thought were possible. The NoDa and
surrounding areas of Charlotte are no different. The state of North Carolina ranks as high as 15th
in poverty, with Charlotte being the city with the highest rate (Kenndy, 2019). Six percent of the
population also have some type of disability, with over half of that being under the age of 28
(U.S Census Bureau, 2020). What this shows is that this group is young and will be more open
to participating in activities that are similar to those around them. Since most are under the age
of 28, most active adults and children are engaging in some sort of physical activity or sport for
at least 30 minutes, three times a week. People with disabilities would fall in line with this and
be open to the concept of enjoyment and entertainment through sport, and ultimately, through
fellowship with those that are similar to them, physically and mentally. This is what sports
outreach is truly all about. The communion of people who come together, similar in ways they
may or may not know, to unite for one goal, one thing, that will bring fun, enjoyment, and
excitement to all involved. Adaptive sports gives the people who feel forgotten and left out of
society, an opportunity to regain lost memories and build on everlasting relationships through
physical activity, game, and sport.
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Sports for All Sorts: The Mission and Vision
An organization should have a powerful mission, one that drives each employee and
fellow participants to strive to be better people, harder working employees, and a focal voice in
society. The vision should be a goal or goals to help reach the mission, and often can be
confused in its intentions. Mission statements define the organization's purpose and primary
objectives while vision statements focus on its goals and aspirations (MindTools, n.d.).
Essentially, a mission may change over time but the vision will always remain the same, holding
on to an organization and creating a timeless effect. The mission statement of Sports for All
Sorts Outreach is to provide superior quality sports programs, for everyone, with everyone, and
by everyone through God’s teachings and guidance. What this does is not create an opportunity
for disclusion, but for the inclusion of everyone, specifically, those in adaptive sports.
The vision statement for Sports of All Sorts is better health and wellbeing for all people
of Charlotte, especially those of specialized disabilities, now and in the future. This vision
statement is clear, concise, and straight to the point. It provides the location, the clear cut goal,
and the group of people this organization will touch and transform through the many programs
and leagues it will offer. Without a clear and concise vision statement, it becomes easy to veer
off course (Eisenstein, 2020). This causes an organization to lose its purpose, and ultimately, fail.
Organizational Structure
Sports of All Sorts has a leadership team, built with four directors, who will coordinate
each region of Charlotte: North (specifically North Davidson), South, East, and West,
primarily focused and stationed in the North, where over half the population living in poverty
is held (US Census Bureau, 2020). Underneath them, will have coordinators and site directors,
varying in numbers, that will carry out each league in making sure it is safe, fun, and upholds
the
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organization’s mission of being a premier sports outreach group in adaptive sports. Instructors
and coaches with the recommended certifications and training would be highly sought after.
Each person in close vicinity with the disabled groups would have to have a Certified Adaptive
Recreation and Sports Specialist (CARSS) certification (Blaze Sports, n.d.), showcasing that
each person is and can be held responsible for contributing towards a successful and promising
program.
Sports for All Sorts is closely partnered with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte and is
relying on their heavy backing and Christian presence in the Charlotte area to push forward their
agenda. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte has over 15 separate churches it serves weekly across
ten of its locations (YMCA of Greater Charlotte, n.d.). The Johnston YMCA location, located in
NoDa, is where the headquarters will be and who this group will be the biggest advocate for.
Funding
Sports for All Sorts would utilize the many available grants and local institutions that
surround a rich environment in the North and Central areas of Charlotte. According to especial
needs, there are over 20 various funds that grant money and equipment towards programs and
organizations similar to Sports of All Sorts (especial needs, n.d.). Sports of All Sorts would
work with neighboring organizations, such as the YMCA of Greater Charlotte and Atrium
Health, to bond with multiple groups and in various ways, work through the blurred lines of
business to help reach the mission. Funding would also come as the result of generous donations
and the work of headstrong volunteers. For instance, the YMCA uses all volunteers for its
adaptive waterski program, even having a former participant as an instructor (YMCA of Greater
Charlotte, n.d.). Sports for All Sorts would search for outgoing contributors who believe in the
mission, see the vision, and want to see Charlotte as a stronghold in the adaptive sports world.
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Programs
As previously stated, Sports for All Sorts is an inclusive outreach group that hopes to
provide for disabled people in the high poverty areas of North Davidson in Charlotte, North
Carolina. Some top programs for sports, and more specifically disabled sports, are basketball,
baseball, cheerleading, flag football, and soccer (Holecko, 2020). These programs most notably
have leagues that regulate and officiate within them and will be of great use for this outreach
group. Each season/session would include two sports that are in their professional seasons, with
cheerleading lasting through both sessions. The sessions would be like the typical recreational
league, with a Fall/Winter league followed by a Spring league. This will allow for more
opportunities for each participant to play multiple sports and learn different skills through each.
Each season will have seven practices and five games. Each practice and game will focus
on different skills and incorporate these three lessons that Sports for All Sorts will focus on
through God; discipline, respect for proper authority, and the need for community (Jones, 2015).
This will include scriptures and prayers before and after practice that focus on one of these
lessons. The goal is to strengthen each participant mentally, physically, spiritually, and to make
sure fun is had to spread God’s word.
Travel
As far as traveling will go, Sports for All Sorts will encourage parents and relatives of the
disabled to transport the participant to and from practice and games each week. This outreach is
currently working with several transportation groups that specifically cater to people with
disabilities that include A-1 Wheelchair Patient Transfer and Medical Transport Services
(DexKnows, n.d.). The goal is to secure cheaper costs from this group that would regularly cost
more money to the average consumer. This group will also look to partner with the city of
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Charlotte with their public transportation system, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), and
utilize their para-transit for those who cannot afford the lower cost of the partnerships, as this is
a free and accessible opportunity that has to be applied for (CATS, n.d.).
Facility and Equipment
As previously stated, Charlotte, and more specifically, the NoDa area, is filled with
sports areas that range from fields, courts, rinks, and other facilities needed to operate a
functional sports organization. With the agreement of working with the YMCA of Greater
Charlotte’s Johnston branch, located in NoDa, they can partner with their Miracle League
(YMCA of Greater Charlotte, n.d.) and being able to utilize local school fields, local YMCA
branches, and garner support from a majority of Charlotte. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte has
three branches located within ten miles of the NoDa area, and over 15 locations across the
Charlotte area, providing a strong Christian backing, with the proper facilities and areas that are
needed for superior programming.
Equipment needed will vary depending on the season, but will include bats for baseball,
balls for each sport, flags for flag football, and jerseys/attire for each sport. For adaptive sports,
the list grows to include wheelchairs that serve different functions. For example, Eagle Sports
chairs are specifically for recreational sport, while Top End chairs will be more beneficial for
sports such as soccer and basketball (Challenged Athlete’s Foundation, n.d.). These two
companies look to partner with outreach groups that certify with the Challenged Athlete’s
Foundation, which Sports for All Sorts has secured. This will also bring about a lower cost to
the group, as well as participants who look to get higher-end equipment later in their years.
Under the Obama administration, public schools were asked to incorporate more activities and
equipment for children with disabilities (Cerebal Palsy, n.d.) meaning that Sports for All Sorts
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would work with the Charlotte Mecklenberg School system in using their equipment that was
mandated by the government years ago.
Evangelism and Sports for All Sorts
Sports for All Sorts will work hard to include the Bible and institute its Christian
principles in every sport included throughout the year. This will be done in three aspects:
coaching, games/practices, and community-based events. Since the partnership with the YMCA
of Greater Charlotte is set and in place at ten of their nineteen locations, this will give this group
accessibility into several areas that support people with disabilities and provide a Christian
environment that is healthy and fulfilling. It also builds relationships across towns,
neighborhoods, and common areas that people with disabilities normally would not have access
to.
Coaching
Each coach in Sports for All Sorts will be given a curriculum to follow for each season,
showcasing the lessons mentioned in the previous plan. These lessons include; discipline,
respect for proper authority, and the need for community (Jones, 2015). Each lesson will have a
daily scripture that provides insight into the training for the day, as well as motivation for this
group of participants. It is important to remember that this group is specifically working with
people with disabilities and their mental health is typically low, as they feel demoralized and
lonely (Agenda, 2019). The coaches will work hard to make sure they strengthen each group of
participants by empowering them each week and the outreach group will work hard to make sure
each sport has a specific agenda for a successful outreach group. Each coach will also coordinate
with prayer, either before or after practice with the players, eventually letting some of the
athletes build up the courage and strength to do it themselves. Leading by example is key here as
these young
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athletes will notice this behavior and do their best to adhere to it.
Games and Practices
Games and practices will also have times of prayer, religion games, and scripture
followed by teaching. This will closely mimic the YMCA and their current approach during their
sporting programs, as they read a modified prayer, that each participant is required to repeat
before every game with the officials, staff, opposing team, and spectators following along or
watching (YMCA of Greater Charlotte, n.d.). Sports for All Sorts will go beyond this with the
scripture reading after prayer, allowing one of the coaches to elaborate and expand on during
games, and teaching each participant the vital part of the Gospel, further reiterating that lead by
example model that they strive for in the organization.
Games and practices should incorporate five key points, which include Sport and
recreation ministries having a broad program offering incorporating all ages but with a special
focus on children and teens up to age 18, sports and recreation ministries should actively seek to
work with and equip parents in the spiritual development of their children, and relational
evangelism being a key strategy for effective evangelism to people between ages 13 and 21
(Bledsoe, 2014). Sports and recreation ministries should also focus on team sports as a way of
reaching the adult age group within their ministries and sports and recreation ministries should
be positioned as one of the primary evangelistic avenues of the church (Bledsoe, 2014). The
percentage of people with disabilities between the ages of 13-24 is five percent in the Charlotte
area, with over 70% being in the NoDa area (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). This will allow this
group to effectively hit this area and encourage the youth to interact with the Bible in an
effective and meaningful way.
Community-Based Events
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This group will host several events throughout the year that center on evangelism and
will promote the group as well. This event will be similar to a communion, where food, games,
clinics, and showcases will be held to celebrate God and all he has done for the people in this
program. These events will have several key speakers that will lead and instruct the Bible in
ways for the disabled group to understand and take part in, ranging from past participants,
athletes, and pastors who love to spread the word of God and partake in the events. There will
also be games that build a strong and healthy relationship with God, such as Bible Jigsaw, Bible
Bee, and also a game called Apostle, King, or Prophet, which will teach participants characters
and important figures in the bible (Saha, 2020). These events will also shed light on participants,
giving some the ability to talk and show what they have learned through either the current season
or past seasons. This allows relationships to be built and found upon, as well as a building a
bond between the particpipants, the Sports for All Sorts outreach, and more importantly, with
God.
2 Timothy 4:2 says “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove,
rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (New International Version,
1978/2011). With this plan in place, Sports for All Sorts will work hard to always putting God
first, even with the challenging group they are working with. Being ready and in place allows for
any situation to be handled correctly, promptly, and through the power and knowledge of the
Gospel, this is all possible because of God. Sports for All Sorts will be a top tier organization,
where the ministry that it will orchestrate through sports will touch the thousands of homes and
families in the Charlotte area and live up to its true intentions of being an outreach group for the
North Davidson Church and for people with disabilities. Adaptive sports has a new face and it is
Sports for All Sorts.
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