Adaptive sporting events set for Upstate

Upstate residents with disabilities have a chance to try their hand at two adaptive sport this month.

A free adaptive cycling clinic for people with physical or mobility challenges will be held on April 30 at Hubbell Lighting on Millennium Boulevard to enable them to use hand cycles, trikes, bicycles and other adaptive equipment.

Sponsored by the Orthotic & Prosthetic Activities Foundation and Shriner's Hospital for Children Greenville, First Cycle is in its third year, and along with adaptive equipment provides instruction from Greenville's Paralympic cycling coaches as well as the staff of Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital.

"Our last two First Cycle events in Greenville have seen over 100 people in attendance, with families, participants, volunteers and staff," said OPAF executive director Robin Burton.

The event, which is put on with the help of Greenville Cycle and Multi-Sport, Heather's Ride and Accessible Mobility Center, begins at 9 a.m. and runs until noon.

“Adaptive sports, especially cycling, is a great activity in which entire family can participate," said Burton. "The greater Greenville community offers so much for cycling and everyone should get the chance to join in. Whether hand cycles, regular bikes, specialty bikes, we have a lot to offer."

Meanwhile, an OPAF First Swim Clinic will be held at the Middle Tyger YMCA pool in Spartanburg to help people with disabilities feel more comfortable in and around the pool.

The event, which runs from 1:30-4 p.m., will be led by two-time World Champion Triathlete Mabio Costa, who is a below-the-knee amputee, with help from members of the Spartanburg swim community and volunteers from Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.

First Swim is sponsored by Spartanburg Regional and Ability Prosthetics and Orthotics.

To register for either event, go to www.opafonline.org.