2. Who is eligible to participate
in the adaptive programs?
The Special Olympics is sports training and
competition program for athletes ages 8 and
over who are developmentally disabled. There
is no maximum age limit on participation. The
Sports for Physically Disabled program is designed
for athletes ages 6 and older who have an orthopedic,
neurological or sensory impairment. This could
include, but not be limited to, Spina Bifida,
Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury,
Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Amputee, Rheumatoid
Arthritis, Cerebral Palsy and Blindness.
3. What is the difference between Special
Olympics and the Physically Challenged Sports?
The Special Olympics is a sports training and
competition program for athletes with intellectual
disabilities. As a general rule, if your school
aged child is placed in a Moderately Mentally
Disabled classroom (MOMD), Mildly Mentally Disabled
classroom (MIMD), Severely Mentally Disabled
classroom (SMD) or Multiply Disabled classroom
(MD), the place for them to compete is Special
Olympics. The Physically Challenged Programs
are designed for athletes who have an orthopedic,
neurological or sensory impairment. This can
include, but not be limited to, Spina Bifida,
Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury,
Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Amputee, Rheumatoid
Arthritis, Cerebral Palsy and Blindness. As
a general rule, potential athletes with physical
disabilities who are still in school are those
in the regular classrooms or the Orthopedically
Impaired Classrooms (OI).
4. If I have both a physical disability and
an intellectual disability, what is the appropriate
program for me?
MASD would suggest that the athlete with both
a physical and intellectual disability either
try each program (Special Olympics and Physically
Challenged Programs) at least once to see where
the best fit is for the individual OR sit through
a very informal interview process with the program
staff to see which program style would benefit
the athlete.
5. Do the athletes have to live in Mesa to
participate in MASD programs?
Due to the unique nature of the programs offered
by MASD, participation is not limited to residents
of Mesa, Arizona. Participants in the programs
have resided throughout the metropolitan Phoenix
area and the state of Arizona.
6. How do I get my athlete registered for
adaptive recreation programs?
Registration materials are mailed out to the
Mesa Adaptive Sports mailing list. If you do
not receive the registration materials in the
mail, you can find them on the website under
your desired program. Click on the link to the
sport of which you would like to register for
and follow the instructions. If you have any
questions, please contact Susan Byrne Rossi
at 480-644-5702 or email her at
susan.rossi@cityofmesa.org.
7. Is there a charge/fee for the MASD programs?
There are no fees for the programs provided
by MASD with the exception of MASD Baseball
and Bowling. MASD Baseball program has a $40.00
registration fee which includes a uniform, award
and team picture. MASD Bowling programs have
minimal costs which are given directly to the
bowling alley. Other costs that may occur throughout
a season include travel to Regional and National
Competitions, team clothing items (kept by athlete
if purchased), etc.
8. I am not able to participate for the current
season, how can I keep in touch to hear about
the upcoming events and programs that are
available?
Contact Susan Byrne Rossi at 480-644-5702 or
email
susan.rossi@cityofmesa.org
with your current contact information including
full name, email, mailing address and phone
number and become a part of the Mesa Adaptive
Sports Mailing List. Mailings include registration
information, newsletters, program updates and
major announcements.
9. How often do I need to get a physical?
One year for PC athletes running as January
- December calender year.
10. Who needs to have a physical?
All new athletes need a physical. To see if
the athlete’s physical is current, contact Susan
Byrne Rossi at 480-644-5702.
11. Where can I get a physical form?
An Arizona Special Olympics Medical form is
available in pdf format on the forms page of
this website. Special Olympics Arizona has made
a no tolerance policy for late or incomplete
physicals. Please fill out the forms completely
and within the stated time limit or your athlete
will be unable to participate. The Wheelchair
Sports USA physical is available for athletes
with physical disabilities on the forms page
of this website. All physical forms must be
filled out completely both front side and back
side with a doctor signature and date or it
is invalid.
12. What is the difference
between the City of Mesa and Mesa Association
of Sports for the Disabled?
MASD and the City of Mesa work in a partnership
along with the Mesa Public Schools to provide
sports and recreation to athletes with physical
and/or developmental disabilities. Each organization
provides very important aspects to the adaptive
recreation in Mesa including financial assistance,
equipment, staff, facilities, transportation
and coaches.
