The Mesa Association of Sports for the Disabled (MASD) is an all-volunteer, not for profit organization dedicated to providing sports and recreation opportunities to individuals with all types of disability. This could include but not be limited to mental retardation, orthopedic impairment, sensory deficit and/or neurological involvement.

The Association provides year round sports training and competition through our Special Olympics programs for athletes who are mentally disabled. In addition, sports and recreation opportunities are provided for individuals with physical disabilities through our programs sanctioned by Wheelchair Sports, USA; National Disability Sports Alliance; Disabled Sports, USA; and the United States Association of Blind Athletes.

The Association coordinates various resources in a cooperative effort with the Mesa Unified School District and the City of Mesa Parks, Recreation and Cultural Division to provide a comprehensive program of sports and recreation to individuals with disabilities of all ages.

Because of the unique nature of the programs offered by the Mesa Association of Sports for the Disabled, participation is not limited to residents of Mesa, Arizona. Participants in MASD programs have resided throughout the metropolitan Phoenix area and the state of Arizona.

Approximately 500 local athletes participate in seasonal training sessions and competitions and an additional 350 athletes from throughout the country compete in various Associations sponsored events. These events include the Desert Challenge Games, the largest annual athletic competition for physically disabled athletes held in the southwestern United States and the MASD Power Soccer Tournament, a competition held for athletes who use power wheelchairs to play soccer. In addition, recreational opportunities such as SkiAble and Skiin' Blind and informational workshops are held annually.

The Mesa Association of Sports for the Disabled is incorporated as a nonprofit organization through the Arizona Corporation Commission, recognized as a 501-(c)-(03) corporation by the Internal Revenue Service. The Association is a chapter of Arizona Special Olympics; Wheelchair Sports, USA; National Disability Sports Alliance; United States Association of Blind Athletes; and Disabled Sports, USA.

The Mesa Association of Sports for the Disabled is governed by a volunteer board of directors.

MASD is also doing business as
Arizona Disabled Sports

In response to the need to provide sports and activities throughout the state, Arizona Disabled Sports has evolved from Mesa Association of Sports for the Disabled. Established in 1989, MASD has been a forerunner in providing quality sports competitions and leisure activities to athletes and individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. This organization emulates the philosophy “Let No One Sit On The Sidelines”.

The Association is the only organization in Arizona providing opportunities for people with all types of disability; therefore, the athletes involved with the weekly sports programs have traveled to Mesa from all across the state of Arizona. Athletes and coaches also come from across the United States and other countries to compete in annual events hosted by the Arizona Disabled Sports Organization.

The Arizona Disabled Sports was established as a trade name for MASD in order to better represent the statewide population of which the organization serves. The overall goal of the trade name is to eliminate any confusion from community members, sponsors, coaches or athletes that the MASD programs are strictly for people residing in Mesa or that our programs are restricted to the Mesa area. Arizona Disabled Sports is a trade name for MASD; therefore, Arizona Disabled Sports will not be the new non-profit organization name, but simply another identity for the programs.

Recognizing the importance of recreational, leisure and competitive opportunities that contribute to the quality of life, the primary mission of the Mesa Association of Sports for the Disabled is to provide a variety of programs and activities to individuals with disabilities. Toward this end, the Association will work to educate, inform and include the community in a comprehensive effort to provide year round activities. Through participation, the athlete will realize individual accomplishment, self-esteem, respect for themselves and others.

PROGRAM PARTNERS