where to play accommodation-friendly sports in philadelphia

Sports are for everyone! 🥎🧘🏻‍♀️🏅 At eseo, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible community of athletes in Philadelphia. Download the app to find athletes in your area with similar interests and fitness levels to you. And check out this list of accommodation-friendly sports in Philadelphia.

In recent years, the push for more disability inclusion in active spaces has resulted in a plethora of amazing social and competitive disability-friendly sports leagues, groups, and facilities in Philadelphia. 

The city has a lot to offer in terms of athletic options for people living with disabilities. Whether you’re the parent of a child with a disability or an injured veteran, there’s a community for you in our city. 

If you want to meet like-minded active people in your area, download the eseo app. We’re creating an inclusive and accessible community of athletes in Philly. And don’t worry—if you can move, you’re an athlete!

To learn more about some of the fantastic opportunities for athletes with disabilities in Philly, read on. 

Disability-Friendly Sports Leagues and Groups in Philadelphia

Finding a disability-friendly sports league or group in your area can be a great opportunity to get active, meet new friends, and learn new skills. Here are some of Philly’s best accommodation-friendly sports groups. 

1. Team River Runner of Southeast Pennsylvania

Team River Runner is a nonprofit organization and kayaking group dedicated to offering opportunities for connection, health, and healing to injured veterans, first responders, active service members, and other local people with disabilities. 

TRR works with those who live with mental health conditions such as PTSD, but they also work with people who live with physical and brain injuries, such as amputations, spinal injuries, and visual or hearing impairment.  

With three active chapters in the state, Team River Runner is an accessible option for people all over Pennsylvania.

2. Ainsley’s Angels of America

Ainsley’s Angels of America is a running group and nonprofit that advocates for disability inclusion in running. This nonprofit hosts races for disabled and able-bodied runners to partner up and finish the race together.

Ainsley’s Angels is a national organization with 70 chapters in 30 states across the country. 

3. All Riders Up

All Riders Up is an all-ages horseback riding program that provides horseback riding experiences to those living with PTSD. They are an equine-facilitated psychotherapy program complete with a sensory trail and a lift-assist machine that helps people living in a wheelchair with mounting their horses.

4. Athletes with Disabilities Network Northeast

Athletes with Disabilities Network Northeast is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities. They host sports clinics, events, and more involving a wide variety of sports. If you like tennis, basketball, volleyball, cycling, archery, or lifting, you’ll find your community here.

5. Camden County NJ Miracle League

Camden County NJ Miracle League is a nonprofit organization that hosts a baseball program for people of all ages living with disabilities. They have a variety of spring and fall leagues that meet to play every Saturday morning at an accommodation-friendly field. This means anyone with physical or cognitive disabilities is welcome to join in on the fun.

6. Carousel House

Carousel House is a program that provides people with disabilities with a wide variety of recreational activities including swimming, dancing, martial arts, hiking, and powerlifting. They have facilities with wheelchair-accessible exercise equipment, including an accessible outdoor track.

7. Maha Yoga

Maha Yoga has specialized classes for individuals living with Parkinson's as well as options for veterans and service members who live with trauma. Their specialized classes are open to people with disabilities as well as their loved ones and care providers. 

8. Philly Achilles

Philly Achilles is a disability-focused running club that hosts free group runs every weekend. The runs are a great opportunity to get some exercise and meet new people.

Disability-Friendly Fitness Centers in Philadelphia 

These local fitness centers put accessibility and accommodation at the heart of their facility, so you’ll feel right at home.

1. Doylestown Rock Gym

Doylestown Rock Gym offers accessible climbing options for climbers with disabilities. The options range from a balance support system to a pulley lift that aids in the climbing process. The equipment provides an opportunity for those with mobility issues to experience climbing and enjoy getting active in a less traditional way.

2. Magee Rehabilitation Center

Magee Rehabilitation Center offers premium physical and cognitive rehab programs to its patients. Those living with brain injuries, amputations, MS, and more can enjoy sports such as tennis, rugby, basketball, and running.

3. Penn Center House

Penn Center House offers a Sunday morning chair yoga class taught by a certified DDP instructor. This class is perfect for seniors or anyone with limited mobility as it helps with chronic pain, circulation, and flexibility. 

4. Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports

Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports has over a dozen athletic programs for people living with disabilities. The programs aim to help with strength building, emotional wellness, and socialization. Some of the programs include kayaking, cycling, rock climbing, winter sports, and yoga, plus all equipment and training are provided through the program making it an accessible option for all income levels. 

5. Adaptive Sports Programs for Children with Disabilities

Adaptive Sports Programs for Children with Disabilities is an initiative sponsored by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia that helps connect parents of children with disabilities to sports and athletic recreation opportunities for their families. 

The department offers information and contacts for a variety of classes such as dance, cheerleading, baseball, hockey, and more for children with physical disabilities. Visit their site or contact the program coordinator for specific information regarding your child's unique needs.

Philadelphia Events That Celebrate Disability Representation in Sports 

These events are a great way to foster community and demonstrate the importance of representation and inclusion in athletics. Plus, they’re just plain fun!

Special Olympics Pennsylvania – Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Special Olympics of Pennsylvania provides year-round sports training for athletes with disabilities. To celebrate the accomplishments of their athletes and the importance of their programs, attend their regularly scheduled events in the city, like their big Olympic games competition every spring.

Frosty 5k

Taking place on December 11th, the Frosty 5k is an accessible-friendly run hosted in Wilmington, DE by Ainsley’s Angels. 

Play Accommodation-Friendly Sports in Philadelphia

That concludes our list of accommodation-friendly sports in Philly. No matter what sport you want to play, you’ll find your community in our city.

To meet people to exercise within your area, download the eseo app. Whether you’re a spiker, biker, or hiker, we want you on our team!