Adaptive sports events growing in Myrtle Beach area but more volunteers needed

More than seventy people, many with disabilities, joined in the monthly Adaptive Bike Ride on Sunday at the North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex.

The monthly events help create a sense of community and freedom for the riders, according to Luke Sharpe, director of the Adaptive Surf Project that hosts the ride along with Coastal Adaptive Sports.

“It’s freedom, freedom of being in the water or being on a bicycle. You can’t not be happy when you’re on a bicycle or surf board,” he said. “Everyone deserves a chance to do something a little dangerous that takes a little bit of skill.”

Wearing her pink Wheel to Surf t-shirt to match her new custom Worksman tricycle, Katelynn Kozlowski rode along side her physical therapist Joey Muniz. Kozlowski, who has challenges with balance due to a traumatic brain injury, has been taking part in the bike rides and surf events since 2019.

“Just the smiles on these kids faces, it’s making them feel a part of something, making people who have been told they can’t do something actually be able to do something,” said Katelynn’s mom, Carol.

Kozlowski says that the volunteers have really made a difference in Katelynn’s life. “I’ve seen them put people on bicycles and on surfboards that you would think could never do it...They have a way of just saying ‘let’s do this,”

Sharpe says that while he’s excited about how much the adaptive sports community has grown, he is reluctant about advertising the events because as it grows more and more volunteers are needed to support the participants.

“If you’re a person that wants to get fit, instead of joining the gym, come see us,” he says.

This story was originally published April 18, 2023 at 8:15 AM.