Internship

University of Arizona Adaptive Athletics Shannon Forman

About ●

I am completing my internship with the University of Arizona’s Adaptive Athletics Program, which is a part of the Disability Resource Center

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I work an average of 12-15 hours a week in the adaptive fitness center and attending team practices

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I also help set up, break down, and prepare for various tournaments and fundraisers held throughout the semester

About ●

The Adaptive Athletics Program seeks to remove barriers and equalize opportunity for individuals with disabilities and promote physical, mental, and emotional health through the power of sports

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Home to six competitive teams ○

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Men’s and women’s basketball, rugby, track, handcycling, and tennis

Houses an adaptive fitness gym for disabled athletes and community members to promote physical activity

Activities: Adaptive Fitness Gym ●

Assists athletes and community members in fitness gym, which has a variety of weight lifting and conditioning equipment

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Many of these individuals have difficulties setting up machines and lifting weights, so I try to best accommodate their needs

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Help create exercise programs to help individuals meet their personal goals

Activities: Practices ●

Attend practices and tournaments for various sporting events

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Many of the coaches are also disabled, making it difficult for them to set up practices and carry out particular drills

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As an intern, I have gained experience with facilitating drills and workouts for the athletes

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Work specifically with men’s and women’s basketball, but have some experience with tennis and rugby

Activities: Tournaments ●

Assists event coordinators in set up, break down, and preparation for tournaments and fundraisers

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Many of these tournaments hosted international teams ○

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Laos, Australia, Denmark

Due to language barriers, I was able to work with interpreters to better accommodate these athletes and make them more comfortable

Accomplishments ●

Gained knowledge of adaptive sports and exercise

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Increased experience with event management

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Strengthened interpersonal skills

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Gained knowledge of coping skills and resiliency of individuals with disabilities