Adaptive Sports Ohio gives kids of all abilities a chance to play sports

Lisa Followay and the Adaptive Sports Ohio team.

When Lisa Followay, CEO of Adaptive Sports Ohio, learned she was being recognized with Akron Children’s More childhood, please.^TM Civic Champion Award, she said it felt deeply meaningful.

“This award reaffirms the importance of adaptive sports and the work we do to give all children the chance to play,” she said. “It also reflects not just my team’s efforts, but also the dedication of our adult athletes, families, volunteers and supporters. They help create true opportunities for kids with disabilities.”

Turning a personal need into a statewide solution

Lisa founded Adaptive Sports Ohio in 2009 after moving back to Ohio from Indiana. She noticed there weren’t many opportunities for inclusion in sports for her son, Casey, who has spina bifida.

“Watching him grow up with spina bifida and seeing how adaptive sports transformed his life shaped everything for me,” Lisa said. “When we moved back to Ohio, I realized those same opportunities didn’t exist here. It motivated me. Casey’s journey pushed me to make sure other kids wouldn’t miss out on the experiences that meant so much to him.”

That’s when Lisa decided she wanted to do more than just advocate for kids like her son.

“I wanted to create real opportunities so kids like Casey could have the chance to play, grow and be included,” she said.

Casey and Lisa accept the Akron Children’s More childhood, please. Civic Champion Award from Akron Children’s CEO Chris Gessner.

The impact in action

Today, Adaptive Sports Ohio is a statewide catalyst for change. The organization opens doors, builds confidence and redefines what’s possible for youth with disabilities. For Lisa, the most inspiring moments come directly from the athletes.

“Our team is most inspired by the moments when our athletes realize they’re capable of more than they ever imagined,” she said. “Seeing that shift in confidence, watching them discover new abilities, friendships and independence, is what fuels us. Those moments remind us exactly why this work and our mission are so important.”

Changing lives by providing opportunity

The team at Adaptive Sports Ohio finds its greatest reward in providing access that opens new opportunities for young athletes.

“We give kids the chance to play who may not have had that opportunity otherwise,” Lisa said. “Knowing that it all begins with simply opening the door is what makes this work so impactful for us.”

Despite the organization’s growing influence, recognition isn’t something they seek.

“If you compare our organization to a car, we’ve got the best engine, the people, the passion, the mission, but the exterior isn’t shiny,” she said. “Hearing we were being honored with this award felt like the community saw and appreciated that effort. That meant a great deal.”

Casey started wheelchair racing when he was 8 years old. He became the first wheelchair racer to join his high school track team in the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

A mission powered by community

While Lisa is the head of the organization, she is quick to spotlight those who make the mission happen daily.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to our volunteers and coaches. Our programs would not be possible without them,” she said. “They show up and they make an incredible difference in the lives of our athletes. Their commitment is a big part of why Adaptive Sports Ohio continues to grow.”

Inspiring others to get involved

Looking ahead, she hopes this recognition will expand awareness and participation.

“I hope it brings more recognition to adaptive sports as a whole and introduces more children and youth with disabilities to our programs,” she said. “My goal is that it inspires more people in our community to get involved, whether that’s volunteering, advocating or supporting our athletes. If this award motivates even a few more individuals or organizations to help ensure every child has the chance to play, then it’s already made a meaningful difference.”