From Crayons to Confidence: Adaptive Sports in Metro Detroit
- Metro Detroit Sled Hockey
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 25
Introducing the Metro Detroit Youth Adaptive Sports Coloring Book
For families of kids with physical disabilities, finding sports opportunities can be overwhelming. There isn’t one central place to go, and often it’s hard to know what to look for. Even if a child—or adult—has an interest in a sport, knowing where to begin or how to get involved isn’t always easy.
That’s why we created the Metro Detroit Youth Adaptive Sports Coloring Book. What started as an idea grew into a collaboration between local adaptive sports organizations, working together to make information accessible and to spread the word about all the programs available in our community.
In adaptive sports, a person’s disability can impact how they perform in one sport, but that doesn’t mean they won’t thrive in another. Just like any other kid, young athletes with physical disabilities deserve the chance to try different activities, discover what they love, and find where they excel. Our collaboration is focused on creating those pathways and opening doors to more options.
Why Adaptive Sports Matter
Adaptive sports aren’t just about physical activity—they’re about empowerment and opportunity. Kids who participate experience:
Improved physical health through strength, endurance, and flexibility
Increased self-confidence as they discover new abilities
A sense of achievement by reaching personal and team goals
Teamwork and inclusion, building friendships on and off the field
These benefits last well beyond the game. Studies show that adults with disabilities who participate in adaptive sports are twice as likely to be employed, highlighting the long-term impact of these programs.
What’s Inside the Coloring Book?
The coloring book introduces children (and parents, teachers, and therapists!) to Paralympic and adaptive sports available right here in Metro Detroit. It highlights sports that kids and adults with physical disabilities can play, including:
Para Ice (Sled) Hockey
Wheelchair Basketball
Para Archery
Wheelchair Tennis
Para Athletics (Track & Field)
Para Swimming
Wheelchair Curling
Para Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding
Boccia Ball
Para Cycling
Each page features a sport where athletes of all abilities can shine including a picture to color, information about the sport and how to join.
Who’s Involved
This project wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of amazing local organizations, including:
Together, we’re building connections, breaking barriers, and helping families see that adaptive sports are for everyone.
For All Ages
Although this initiative is centered on youth starting at age 5, all of these sports are available in our community for athletes of any age. If you’re an adult with a disability looking to try adaptive sports, reach out—we’ll help connect you with programs that match your interests.
Get Your Copy
We’ve made the coloring book available as a free printable download - Share it with families, schools, or community groups who might be interested in participating, or simply to help spread awareness about youth adaptive sports opportunities in Metro Detroit.
In addition, you can now order your own professionally printed color copy of the coloring book. A portion of each purchase helps cover future printing costs, ensuring that healthcare providers, educators, and others working with youth have access to free copies for the kids they serve. Order here -- Link coming soon.
We also have a limited number of printed copies available for organizations and individuals who work directly with children who have physical disabilities. If that’s you, please contact us at community@metrodetroitsledhockey.org to inquire about availability. Note: the preprinted copies are only available in black and white.
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