Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) senior Luke Swanson will host “Inclusion Day” to promote awareness of Paralympic sports on April 1. The event, set to take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the REC/IM at 500 East Circle Dr. in Ypsilanti, encourages the EMU community to join in activities such as sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, and goalball. Participation is free and open to everyone.

Swanson highlighted the significance of such events, saying, “It’s important to have sports events that unite individuals with and without disabilities." He expressed hope that the event would spark interest in Paralympic sports and help others understand their significance.

His introduction to adaptive sports commenced while coaching EMU’s Special Olympics team. A teammate invited him to a wheelchair basketball game, which he quickly grew to love. Swanson remarked, “I especially loved that I could play it alongside a friend with a disability.”

The event will feature:

- **Sitting Volleyball**: A game similar to traditional volleyball but played seated, allowing for a fast-paced experience.

- **Wheelchair Basketball**: A sport adapted from basketball for players using wheelchairs.

- **Goalball**: A unique sport where players, equipped with masks, aim to get a bell-laden ball into a net using sound rather than sight.

Swanson's objective is to increase awareness of adaptive sports among all students. He noted, “Too often, Paralympic sports go unrecognized compared to their able-bodied counterparts. When people try these sports, they will realize they are great activities and fun to play.”

Anyone interested in participating in Inclusion Day can sign up online.