About Our Sports Programs
Getting active, participating in sports, and being a part of a group is an important thing for everyone, especially people with disabilities.
Our sports programs offer ways for people of all ages, skill levels, and disabilities to enjoy social and recreational outlets throughout the year.
“I want to help give others the same sports opportunities I had,” Glen Ashlock, Sports & Rec Director, says. “Before my disability, sports was always what I did. When I first became disabled, one of the first concerns I had was whether I was going to be able to play sports again, and I feel very fortunate to have found the sports outlets I had. I enjoy giving that same opportunity to others.”
Why join our programs? Well for starters, they’re fun. They’re also great motivators to get out there and get exercise. “If you’re part of a group, you’re more likely to exercise,” Glen says. “It’s as much about being social as it is about physical fitness.”
For people with disabilities, the equipment needed to participate in sports and recreation outlets is not always available at gyms and other recreation centers. We have a variety of types of sports and recreation equipment for people with disabilities to take part in the sports they want.
Below is a description of some of the sports we offer at different times during the year. Programming and scheduling changes regularly. Please check the events calendar for current programming information.
Cycling
Weekly Group Rides
We hold weekly group rides at the Ann Arbor CIL from April through September. Join us for bicycling, tricycling, and hand-cycling. We ride the one mile loop of Research Park Drive. You can bring your cycle or use one of ours by calling in advance to reserve the cycle that is right for your needs. If it rains, the event will be cancelled.
Try Out Equipment
Our cycling program assists individuals of all abilities learn about cycling options including handcycles and adult tricyles. We offer the opportunity to try different cycling equipment to help find out what works best for you. If you would like to try one of our cycles, contact Glen Ashlock at 734-971-0277, ext. 33, or by email at glen@aacil.org.
IRide
IRide is an exciting inclusive cycling adventure, in which people with and without disabilities ride from west Michigan to Ann Arbor in a 240-mile, 4-day journey. People can participate in a small segment of the journey or join us for all 4 days. About 150 people participate in the adventure each year, and about 30-35 individuals ride the entire journey.
IRide is a fun event that encourages full inclusion regardless of the type of cycle you ride. Everyone, with or without a disability, is invited to participate at whatever distance fits their abilities.
Check out the IRide website to learn more!
If you would like to learn more about participating in IRide, volunteering opportunities, or making a tax-deductible donation or sponsorship to support IRide, please contact Mary Stack at 734-971-0277, ext. 22, or by email at mary@aacil.org.
Fitness Gym
The Ann Arbor CIL has a fully accessible fitness gym available for you to use. We offer weight training and aerobic machines to help you reach your fitness goals.
Everyone must complete an orientation and training with Sports Coordinator Mary Stack before using the equipment.
Join us for the CIL Fitness Challenge! Offered a couple times during the year, these 12-week sessions offer motivation to get out there and get fit.
For more information, contact mary@aacil.org.
Bowling
Join the Ann Arbor CIL for bowling, offered once a week at Colonial Lanes. Come relax and socialize while bowling with your friends. Accommodations available include: bowling ramps for people who use wheelchairs and guide railings for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Details:
Colonial Lanes, 1950 S. Industrial Hwy, Ann Arbor
Every Thursday, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Fee: $7, which includes 3 games and shoe rental. Drinks and snacks are not provided.
Pre-registration by 4 pm the day before the event is required. Contact Mary Stack at 734-971 0277 ext. 22 or mstack@aacil.org
Wheelchair Basketball – through the Michigan Thunderbirds
There are three Michigan Thunderbirds wheelchair basketball teams that compete in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. An Adult League and 2 Youth Leagues. All teams are open to people with lower extremity disabilities regardless of experience.
The Adult Team includes experienced and beginning players ages 18 and above. Team practices start each year in August and run through March. Everyone is welcome, and we can even bring you a basketball chair if you don’t have your own. To join us at practice anytime, contact Glen Ashlock at 734-971-0277, ext. 33, or email tbirds@aacil.org.
The Junior Thunderbirds work to learn the basics of wheelchair basketball, develop a strong team focusing on good sportsmanship and strong fundamentals, compete, and have fun. There are currently two junior teams — Prep (13 and younger for boys, 14 and younger for girls) and Junior Varsity for the older players. Anyone in high school or younger can participate.
We are always looking to add players and no experience is necessary. For practice times or more information on the junior teams, contact Claudia Brewer at cbrewer@cityofsouthfield.com or by phone at 248-796-4673.
For more information on wheelchair basketball opportunities available through the Michigan Thunderbirds, check out their website at www.michiganthunderbirds.org.
Tennis
Offered a few different times during the year, our inclusive tennis program provides the opportunity for people of all ages and disabilities to hit the courts and swing the tennis raquet. Manual and power wheelchair users are welcome. Beginners can come to learn basics, and returning athletes come to refine their techniques, learn about scoring, and work on strategy. We play indoors and outdoors, depending on the season.
Our Adaptive Tennis program is taught by nationally-ranked wheelchair tennis player, Bryan Wilkinson.