South Texas Regional Adaptive & Paralympic Sports (STRAPS)

STRAPS is the first and only sports program in the Southwest to provide comprehensive recreational and competitive sports opportunities for those with physical disabilities including individuals who are visually impaired.

MissionMissionThe mission of South Texas Regional Adaptive and Paralympic Sports (STRAPS) is to organize, promote,administer and conduct a variety of adaptive and Paralympic sports for wounded warriors and veterans as well as youth and to organize, host and conduct regional and nationalclinics and tournamentsfor adaptive and Paralympic sports.

STRAPS athletes strive to become role models and mentors to others with disabilities as they promote character development through sports. STRAPS athletes work with schools and youth groups to promote the core values embraced by successful competitive athletes including the importance of teamwork, self-confidence, respect, good sportsmanship, self-discipline, perseveranceand the value of setting and achieving goals that demand extraordinary personal commitment.

STRAPS athletes train and compete at the Morgan’s Wonderland Gym which is four miles from the San Antonio Area Medical Center (SAAMC) and the Center for the Intrepid (CFI). For that reason, the program places particular emphasis on offering adaptive and Paralympic sports that appeal to wounded warriors and veterans. As of July 2014, there are over 150 active STRAPS athletes 40% of whom are wounded warriors or veterans.

Vision STRAPS will become recognized and respected as a National Center of Excellence for

adaptive and Paralympic sports

Organization STRAPS is a 501-C3 nonprofit sports organization registered under Sports, Outdoor and

Recreation (SOAR) EIN: 26-1219640 A part-time Sports Director&Head Coach oversees each of the sports, supervises

coaches, organizes tournaments and clinics, and develops and managesannual operating budgets

Talking Points

Background In August 2012, STRAPS began operations with three sports and 50 athletes

Paralympic soccer Wheelchair soccer Powersoccer

In 2013, three new sports were added Goalball (a Paralympic sport for visually impaired athletes) Wheelchair basketball (adult) Junior Varsity Wheelchair Basketball (18 and under)

In 2014 one new sport was added Wheelchair softball

In 2015 two new sports were added Wheelchair football Boccia

Participation is at no cost to the athlete including the cost of coaches, equipment, facility rental, uniforms, etc.

Participation is open to both men and women of all ages and abilities that are appropriate for the respective sport

All sports are conducted in accordance with the rules established by the respective sport National Governing Body

Special emphasis is placed on building participation from wounded warriors, veterans and young athletes

Program Highlights(July 2014) With the full support and cooperation of the United States Olympic Committee, US

Paralympics, the Center for the Intrepid and the Audie Murphy VA Medical Center in San Antonio, over 150 athletes currently train and compete in seven Paralympic sports offered by STRAPS Paralympic Soccer Wheelchair Soccer Power Soccer Goalball (a Paralympic sport for the visually impaired) Wheelchair Basketball (adults) Junior Varsity Wheelchair Basketball (18 and under) Wheelchair Softball

STRAPS appeals to a diverse group of athletes 40% are wounded warriors or veterans

15% are women 18% are under the age of 21 Average age of a STRAPS athlete is 28 years old

In April 2013, STRAPS was formally recognized by US Paralympics as a sanctioned US Paralympic Sport Club

In September 2013, a STRAPS Paralympic Soccer athlete was one of only 30 athletes selected to the US National Player Pool which makes him eligible for selection to the US National Paralympic Soccer Team that will compete in the summer Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016

STRAPS is primarily funded by the Team’s presenting sponsor – The Boeing Corporation who helps underwrite the cost for coaching, specialized equipment, facility rental and uniforms

Each sport has its own dedicated coaches, volunteers and support staff including participation from the San Antonio Scorpions players and coaches Athletes participate in weekly practices and league competition during fall and spring

seasons The program also provides the resources to send teams to regional and national

competitions and to US Paralympic Team clinicsand tryouts

ImpactSTRAPS participants are dedicated, highly trained and skilled athletes focused on competing and winning… athletes who compete based on their ability, not based on their disability. Because of STRAPS, over 150 San Antonio athletes have moved off the sidelines and onto the goal line!

Ability is what you're capable of doing.Motivation determines what you do.

Attitude determines how well you do it!

Lou Holtz