1. What is MASD?
2. Who is eligible to participate in the adaptive programs?
3. What is the difference between Special Olympics and the Physically Challenged Sports?
4. If I have both a physical disability and an intellectual disability, what is the appropriate program for me?
5. Do the athletes have to live in Mesa to participate in MASD programs?
6. How do I get my athlete registered for adaptive recreation programs?
7. Is there a charge/fee for the MASD programs?
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?
9. How often do I need to get a physical?
10. Who needs to have a physical?
11. Where can I get a physical form?
12. What is the difference between the City of Mesa and Mesa Association of Sports for the Disabled?

1. What is MASD?

The Mesa Association of Sports for the Disabled (MASD) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing sports and recreation opportunities to individuals with all types of disability. The Association provides year round sports training and competition through Special Olympics programs for athletes who are developmentally disabled. In addition, sports and recreation opportunities are provided for individuals with physical disabilities through programs sanctioned by Wheelchair Sports USA, National Disabled 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 Public Schools and the City of Mesa Parks, Recreation and Commercial Facilities to provide a comprehensive program of sports and recreation to individuals with disabilities of all ages.

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 available on the web site under Registration as well as distributed by mail for Special Olympics and email for Physically Challenged Programs. If you wish to receive regular updates from the adaptive team, sign up for the mailing list on the web site. If you have any questions, please contact Elena Messenger at 480-835-MASD or email her at elena@mesadisabledsports.com.

7. Is there a charge/fee for the MASD programs?

Individuals participating in the adaptive programs will pay a minimal registration fee per season. The registration fee structure is $35 for the first sport and $5 for each additional sport up to $45. Individuals registering for the Mesa Special Olympics programs pay the registration fees to the City of Mesa. The Special Olympics programs currently host three seasons including Winter-Spring, Summer and Fall. Individuals registering for the Physically Challenged Programs pay the registration fees to Arizona Disabled Sports. AzDS currently hosts two seasons including Winter-Spring and Summer-Fall. The MASD Baseball program has a $40 registration fee which includes a uniform, award and team picture. The 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 Elena Messenger at 480-835-MASD or email elena@mesadisabledsports.com with your current contact information including full name, email, mailing address and phone number and become a part of the 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 athletes participating in the Physically Challenged programs running as January - December calender year. Every three years for Special Olympics athletes.

10. Who needs to have a physical?

All new athletes need a physical. To see if the athlete’s physical is current, contact Elena Messenger at 480-835-MASD for PC programs and Jacquie Gall at 480-644-4948 for SO programs.

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.