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Sportable Visits Longwood's Therapeutic Recreation Program

April 13, 2021
A student trials a handcycle. - A student uses a handcycle on a campus walkway during an outdoor activity. They wear a helmet and face mask while pedaling the handcycle. Other students and instructors stand nearby observing and offering guidance. Brick academic buildings, trees, and a Longwood banner frame the background.
A student trials a handcycle. - A student uses a handcycle on a campus walkway during an outdoor activity. They wear a helmet and face mask while pedaling the handcycle. Other students and instructors stand nearby observing and offering guidance. Brick academic buildings, trees, and a Longwood banner frame the background.


On Friday April 9th, Kyle Hitzelberg, CTRS, from Sportable presented for the RECR 303 students in Longwood's Therapeutic Recreation program. Sportable provides recreation and athletic opportunities for people with physical disabilities and visual impairments in the Richmond area. Kyle shared his vast knowledge of adaptive sports, the equipment and adaptations to make the equipment function for various disabilities.

Students especially enjoyed trying out adaptive sports equipment including hand cycles, quad rugby chairs, and sports chairs, used primarily for wheelchair basketball and tennis. Students gained knowledge of how these pieces of equipment function for various levels of recreation participation. 

 

Two students trial sports wheelchairs. - Three students use sport wheelchairs while moving along a campus walkway. They wear face masks and casual university apparel. Brick academic buildings, trees, and lamp posts line the path. A Longwood banner is visible, indicating a university campus setting.

Therapeutic recreation uses a wide range of treatment interventions to improve the quality of life for diverse populations, and adaptive sports is just one part of therapeutic recreation. If you are interested in finding out more about this unique major, please visit the Longwood Therapeutic Recreation program website, watch our youtube video, or contact Dr. Ann Bailey, TR program coordinator, baileyaf@longwood.edu . Sportable CTRS explains adaptive equipment. - A bearded man smiles at the camera during an outdoor portrait session. He wears a blue patterned button-down shirt with a light-colored tie. The background is softly blurred with green trees and campus elements. The image is a professional headshot with natural lighting.

Contact

Department of Health, Recreation, & Kinesiology

201 High Street

Farmville, VA 23909

(434) 395-2533