Clemson’s Adaptive Sports Program gives unique opportunity to disabled community

April 2, 2024

Nearly everyone remembers playing sports as a kid, but for some, it’s an uphill battle that comes with a unique set of challenges — challenges Jasmine Townsend (Ph.D.) has tried to alleviate with the establishment and growth of the Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program at Clemson University. 

Townsend and her husband, Jeff, have made the most of their time in Tigertown. They knew for years that they wanted to establish an adaptive sports program at a school, so when they arrived in Clemson in 2014, they knew it was a perfect fit. Since then, the establishment of the program has been “fast and furious,” Townsend said.

Housed under the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, the Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program at Clemson has given hundreds of people the opportunity to compete in sports. 

At the center of those opportunities is the Palmetto Games, a yearly regional sports competition hosted on Clemson’s campus. People all over the country flock to the Upstate to participate in the Palmetto Games, organized by Townsend and in collaboration with Clemson’s Athletic Department and the Department of Campus Recreation. 

This year’s Palmetto Games are scheduled for April 26-27 and will include track and field events, swimming and air rifle competitions. Those interested in early registration for the Palmetto Games can register by April 5 at 11:59 p.m. Late registration ends on April 12 at 11:59 p.m. Adaptive athletes with any physical impairment are eligible to compete in the Games, with both ambulatory and wheelchair divisions available.

“What they’re doing on that track is no different than what other athletes do on that track. We just had to build it, and that’s what we’re doing,” Townsend said. “If you build it, they will come, right? We just need to build it, and they’ll have the same opportunity to grow physically, personally, socially and all the things. And so when I see that, I mean, I definitely feel warm fuzzies and tears and happiness.”

At past events, Townsend has had parents come up to her to show appreciation for the work that the adaptive sports program does and the opportunities and targets it gives for people with disabilities. 

Without the proper resources and opportunities, those with disabilities have a very difficult time playing sports.

“Depending on where someone lives, that pathway doesn’t exist for kids with disabilities,” Townsend added. “And we know that physical activity over the lifespan starts when you’re a child. You don’t just like all of a sudden start to work out as an adult if you’ve never done it before, or if you do, it’s really hard at some point. It’s really hard to figure out what it is. You’re trying all the things. What you do as a kid is you try all the things, and you just have to learn the habits. And those habits will hopefully carry into adulthood for a lifetime of healthy behaviors.”

As a part of the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute’s cohort, Townsend has been a valued member of the sports science community and continues to build and create unique opportunities for those wanting to participate in adaptive sports. 

Those interested in registering for the Palmetto Games or learning more about the Adaptive Sports Program can visit the program’s website here.