Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University is set to host "Inclusion Day" on April 1, an event promoting Paralympic sports and the importance of adaptive sports. The event, organized by senior Luke Swanson, will occur from 5 to 7 p.m. at the REC/IM located at 500 East Circle Dr. in Ypsilanti.

Approximately 20 students will participate in various adaptive sports such as sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, and goalball. These activities aim to introduce students to sports common in the Paralympic community. "It’s important to have sports events that unite individuals with and without disabilities,” said Swanson. “I hope people develop an interest in Paralympic sports and understand their importance.”

This event will highlight modifications in traditional sports to accommodate diverse abilities. Sitting volleyball, for instance, eliminates the need to stand, creating a fast-paced game, while wheelchair basketball adapts basketball rules for seated players. Goalball, a unique sport without a direct counterpart, focuses on auditory skills as players use masks and aim to score in the opponent’s net using a ball with a bell.

Eastern Michigan University, founded in 1849, is the second oldest public university in Michigan. Serving nearly 13,000 students, it offers over 300 academic programs across its various colleges and graduate school. EMU is frequently acknowledged for its commitment to diversity, excellence, and applied education.

For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website or EMU Today for the latest news and announcements.