Mid-Atlantic Region Paratriathlete Program

Our mission is to increase and support awareness, access and participation in paratriathlon in the USAT Mid-Atlantic Region through engagement and the provision of resources to local triathlon clubs; race directors; and youth, adult, and disabled veteran athletes who have a physical or sensory disability such as an amputation, spinal cord injury, stroke, spina bifida, cerebral palsy or blindness.

Support and resources are provided directly to physically challenged athletes in a variety of ways, including:

• Support integration of disabled athletes with local triathlon clubs
• Connect paratriathletes with supportive allied health professionals
• Liaise with adaptive sports programs for equipment access and fitting
• Provide matching service for paratri relay teams, as well as handlers and guides

Support and resources are provided to the established triathlon community as well:

• Consult with race directors regarding accessibility of race venues
• Identify and inform trainers, coaches, handlers, and guides
• Promote paratriathlon awareness at multisport and other expos

As part of ongoing efforts to promote paratriathlon across the region, USAT Mid-Atlantic provides mini-grant funding to paratri initiatives such as clinics, camps, event speakers, and other such activities.

Click here for the grant application for clinics/camps. (.doc)

Click here for the grant application for individuals. (.PDF)

Our volunteer committee includes disabled and able-bodied triathletes with experience in medical and allied health fields, sciences, disability services, and community organizing. We currently have representation in Pennsylvania, Maryland and North Carolina, and would like to expand with representation in every state in the Mid-Atlantic region. If you are interested in promoting paratriathlon in New Jersey, Delaware, Washington DC, Virginia or West Virginia, please email paratri@usat-ma.org.

The Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports was awarded a grant from USAT-MA in support of efforts to get more adaptive athletes involved in triathlons. Funds were used to purchase adaptive racing chairs. The Center has also expanded its adaptive sports offerings to include paratriathlon, and supports relay teams of paratriathletes to participate in local triathlons. Read more.

USAT-MA is coordinating a paratriathlon clinic in Baltimore for disabled athletes of all ages and abilities in April, 2012. Participants’ experience level in each of the sports will be evaluated, and the intensity and specialization of each sport session will be adjusted accordingly.  For disabled athletes participating in the Celebrating heroes triathlon in Columbia, MD in June 2012, this provides 8 weeks of training with a cohort of friends before culminating in this sprint-distance race. USAT-MA also provides relay-matching services for  disabled athletes wishing to participate in triathlon events on a team. Read more.