- Gwinnett County School District
- Athletics
GCPS Adapted Sports Program
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The Gwinnett HEAT is the coed, adapted sports program for Gwinnett County Public Schools. The adapted sports program gives physically-impaired students an opportunity to participate in athletic competitions.
Gwinnett County Public Schools supports the idea of providing sports opportunities for all student athletes. The system recognizes some student athletes cannot participate in regular athletics due to a physical disability or orthopedic impairment either acquired at birth or from an accident.
Sports Schedules of Seasons
As a member program of the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs, the Gwinnett HEAT participate in the following sports seasons:
Fall: Wheelchair Handball
Winter: Wheelchair Basketball
Spring: Wheelchair FootballContact Information
Interested students, parents, and family members should contact Mike Phillips, Area Coordinator for the Adapted Sports Program at 678-301-6885 or email Mike Phillips.
Links
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which students are eligible to participate in the Adapted Sports Program?
The Adapted Sports Program is open to male and female students in grades 1 through 12. Athletes have a physical impairment that excludes them from competing on a typical sports team. There is a cognitive requirement that the athlete can understand enough of the game to actively participate on the team.
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Do male and female students participate on separate teams?
All teams are co-ed.
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What are some examples of disability groups served by the program?
Examples of the types of disability groups served include cerebral palsy, spina bifida, spinal cord injury, amputee, muscular dystrophy, torn ACL, and balance issues due to hearing impairment.
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Is participation limited to students who use wheelchairs?
Athletes do not need to use a wheelchair in everyday life. The wheelchair is just a tool that allows them to play a competitive sport. Manual and power chairs are allowed.
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What sports are offered?
As a member program of the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs, the Gwinnett HEAT participate in the following sports seasons:
- Fall: Wheelchair Handball
- Winter: Wheelchair Basketball
- Spring: Wheelchair Football
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Where do practice sessions and games take place?
All practices and games take place at one of our local schools in Gwinnett County. We usually practice one night a week from 6:30 - 8:00 PM and the games are played on Saturday. Games usually last an hour and a half.
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How do students sign up for the program?
Interested students, parents, and family members should contact Mike Phillips, Area Coordinator for the Adapted Sports Program at 678-301-6885 or email Mike Phillips.