More than 150 differently abled individuals from across North Carolina will experience the joy of recreational activities during the seventh annual Accessible Recreation Day at University of North Carolina Wilmington on Friday, April 18.

Organized by the Coastal Carolina Partnership for Accessible Recreation (CCPAR), the day offers differently abled individuals of all ages the opportunity to try multiple activities, adapted equipment and engage with others who support their recreational interests.

"Some statistics show more that 15% of New Hanover county has a disability. That is extremely high for an area this size. We just have to give people chances so that they can see their options for living life to the fullest," said Dan Johnson, Health and Applied Human Sciences (HAHS) associate professor or recreation therapy.

More than 90 volunteers, including around 55 recreational therapy students and faculty will provide assistance throughout the day. All activities will be adapted for wheelchair users and those with physical or sensory limitations. Ongoing clinics and demonstrations, including golf, yoga, aikido, African movement, wall climbing, kite flying, soccer and other physical activities, will be facilitated by individuals trained in accessibility.

Johnson noted,"Many of our instructors have disabilities themselves and are very involved in their sport. We want to help participants become familiar with adaptations so that they can become comfortable with them and not feel limited by their disabilities."

New to the event this year are beach games developed by UNCW students, First Volley ambulatory amputee tennis, interactive Wii games, instruction in assistive technology applications and dog training with Azalea Dog Training & Therapy Dogs.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. in the UNCW Student Recreation Center. A free T-shirt and lunch will be provided to each participant.

CCPAR is a group advocating for recreation opportunities for all citizens with disabilities in the Coastal Carolina area. UNCW members include the Department of HAHS recreation therapy program, the Department of Campus Recreation, Disability services. The New Hanover Regional Medical Center Coastal Rehabilitation Hospital, the N.C. Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Independent Living Services, the Wilmington Family YMCA and the Wilmington Disabled Athletic Association are community CCPAR members.

Media are invited to interview participants and capture numerous visual opportunities.

Media Contacts:

Joy Davis, Marketing and Communications, 910.962.3616 or davisjc@uncw.edu
Dan Johnson, UNCW recreation therapy, 910.962.3659 or johnsonde@uncw.edu

Unless specified, all events will be in or around the UNCW Student Recreation Center:
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.