Paralympic Inclusion

  • Think Tank
  • Think Tank Members

School alliances are needed now more than ever, given campus resource limitations and the volume of adaptive programming on campus. Although there is not a broad-based collegiate Paralympic sport structure, there is a strong appetite for collegiate adaptive programming. The strength of the adaptive programming at the college level is reflected in the collegiate footprint on Team USA. In Rio, 40% of the 2016 U.S. Paralympic Team competed collegiately; at the 2020 Paralympic Games, the U.S. college footprint grew to 50%.


The Paralympic inclusion efforts were guided by athletes, coaches and experts from the USOPC Paralympic Advisory Council, the NCAA Office of Inclusion, and the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. These experts met several times to consider past collaboration efforts and recognized the need for increased connection to schools offering adaptive programs. Paralympic sport at the college level could be elevated by increasing understanding of the current adaptive programs and advancing the Paralympians Made Here promotional efforts.



Sandy Barbour

Sandy Barbour

Pennsylvania State University

Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics


Greg Byrne

Greg Byrne

University of Alabama

University of Athletics


Tiffini Grimes

Tiffini Grimes

University of Alabama

Senior Deputy Athletics Director


Rocky Harris

Rocky Harris

USA Triathlon

CEO


Jessica Heims

Jessica Heims

University of Northern Iowa

Paralympian (Track and Field)


Zak Ivkovic

Zak Ivkovic

Executive Director

CUNY Athletic Conference


Stephanie Wheeler

Stephanie Wheeler

Women's Wheelchair Basketball Coach and Paralympian (Wheelchair Basketball)


Amy Wilson

Amy Wilson

NCAA

Managing Director of Inclusion


Justin Zook

Justin Zook

St. Catherine University

Head Coach and Paralympian (Swimming)


  • Jessica Heims of Team United States competes in Women's Discus Throw
  • Jessica Heims, University of Northern Iowa

    "College pushed my boundaries of who I thought I was, as well as who I wanted to be."