The recent decision by the Michigan High School Athletic Association to add four adaptive sports events to its track and field tournaments and another swimming event came as welcome news to one Houghton High School student.
Maria Velat has been lobbying for expanded opportunities for disabled athletes. She says the move is a good first step…
Work continues to find ways to involve other sports, to expand the number of track and field options, and involve athletes with other physical challenges…
Velat hopes to take advantage of the opportunity herself…
Velat’s mobility has been limited since she suffered from transverse myelitis, which damages the nerves in the spinal cord.