SportsAbility Is Where the Fun Is!

By Jeff Saulich

SportsAbility is all about enjoying the great outdoors using whatever abilities you have. It’s the main focus of the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association (FDOA), which sponsors SportsAbility events in different parts of the state each year. The SportsAbility Expo in Tallahassee on April 10 was a crash course in what this exciting program is all about.

Held at Tallahassee Community College, the SportsAbility Expo was much more than the usual gathering of exhibit tables hosted by partner agencies like APD. At this annual event, it was all about action! There was basketball, soccer, tennis, martial arts, and all kinds of other games and activities for all ages and all abilities. This year’s demonstrations included a tennis player on wheels that has to be seen to be believed. He not only levels the playing field, he upends it!

Tennis on wheels anyone? This player is serious!

The creative arts were well represented, too. The Pyramid Studios band played a rockin’ set that got folks out of their seats to dance. The band’s horn section was a very cool addition to the combo. They were followed by the chorus from Gretchen Everhart School, who performed a pleasing selection of songs. Jennifer Lynn Adams, Ms. Wheelchair America 2014, provided even more inspiration to the gathering through her remarks to participants and attendees.

Naturally, because it’s a popular event, it’s a great opportunity to meet and greet. APD Communications Director Melanie Mowry Etters and I hosted the agency’s exhibit table. It was a pleasure to speak with so many visitors and inform them about APD’s services.

The expo was only one day of Tallahassee’s three-day SportsAbility weekend, which also included a baseball game at Miracle Field on April 9, and an outdoor day on April 11 at Ochlockonee River State Park near Sopchoppy. Pontoon boat rides, seated water skiing, scuba diving, sailing, fishing, archery, target shooting, horseback riding, and golf clinics were just some of the fun activities on the 11th.

SportsAbility’s next stop will be the Family Café conference, June 5 through 7 in Orlando. Visit www.fdoa.org for more information on FDOA and SportsAbility, and www.jenniferlynnadams.com to learn about Adams.

Ms. Wheelchair America 2014 Jennifer Lynn Adams speaks to attendees.


The Pyramid Studios Band rocks the house.


The chorus from Gretchen Everhart School entertains the crowd.


As the band plays, the dancers can't stay in their seats.


APD Communications Director Melanie Etters visits Ray Ford of The Able Trust.


This young soccer player is having a blast.


A group from Gretchen Everhart School enjoys the fun.

The Pyramid Studios Band has an awesome horn section.