Program

Catalyst Sports

2020 Howell Mill Rd NW Suite D560 Atlanta, GA 30318

Active since 2011


About

Catalyst Sports is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with physical disabilities through adaptive adventure sports. By providing access to activities like rock climbing, cycling, mountain biking, kayaking, and hiking, Catalyst Sports enables participants to challenge themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Categories ProgramAdaptive Sports

Program Details

Catalyst Sports offers adaptive adventure sports programs aimed at empowering individuals of all ages with physical disabilities. Our activities include rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, cycling, hiking, and more, offered through local chapters across the southeastern United States. By providing innovative adaptive equipment and trained volunteers, the program ensures that people with disabilities can participate in these adventures, discovering their abilities and forming bonds with their communities.

Catalyst Sports is committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from accessing outdoor adventures. The program prioritizes inclusivity, focusing on creating a supportive environment where participants and volunteers can thrive together. Catalyst Sports works to foster an active and healthy lifestyle for people with disabilities, providing experiences that are physically, mentally, and emotionally rewarding.

Program Goals:

  1. To give people with physical disabilities access to transformative adventure sports.
  2. To create inclusive and supportive communities that empower individuals through outdoor activities. 
  3. To promote active and healthy lifestyles among participants.

Catalyst Sports addresses the need for greater accessibility to outdoor adventure sports for individuals with disabilities. The program removes the barriers that often prevent these individuals from participating in physically challenging activities, allowing them to experience the benefits of an active lifestyle while being part of a larger inclusive community. Catalyst Sports is widely recognized for its impact on the adaptive sports community. 

We continue to expand our reach by opening new chapters in communities across the southeastern United States. We are committed to increasing program access by introducing more adaptive equipment, and by extending services in additional locations.

Staff Composition

  • 4 Full-time staff members 

  • Consultants

  • Extensive volunteer network

Cost to Participate
Free or low cost (e.g. $10 per program). Scholarships are available if the cost is a barrier to participation.

Contact Gillian Sharp, Program Operations Director (678) 458-3288 Website YouTube Channel Blogs

Services Offered
Catalyst Sports offers a variety of adaptive adventure sports and services designed to empower individuals with physical disabilities. Here are the primary services offered:

  • Rock Climbing – Adaptive climbing programs are run in multiple locations, giving individuals the opportunity to participate with the help of specialized equipment

  • Mountain Biking – Programs use adaptive mountain bikes to enable participants to ride trails that would otherwise be inaccessible

  • Kayaking – Adaptive kayaking opportunities allow individuals to enjoy water-based sports in a safe and supportive environment

  • Cycling – Both road and off-road cycling are available, with adaptive bikes provided to meet the needs of each participant

  • Hiking – Accessible hiking programs make outdoor adventures possible for people with disabilities, often utilizing adaptive equipment like all-terrain wheelchairs

  • Veterans Programs – Specialized programs designed for disabled veterans to engage in adventure sports, fostering community and empowerment

  • Paraclimbing Team – A competitive team for individuals who want to take their climbing skills to the next level

  • Cycle Loan Program – The Get Out and Ride program allows individuals to borrow adaptive bikes so they can continue riding outside of organized events

  • Hiking Chair Rentals – This service provides specialized hiking chairs for outdoor adventures (available for use in the Great Smoky Mountains)

  • Adaptive Bike/Kayak Shop - Individuals can be fitted and can test out and order with confidence using our bike/kayak shop service. Our trained staff assemble and deliver the order directly to the customer

Recent Case Studies

A large group of participants express their excitement at the start of a backpacking trip. Trees and distant mountains fill the horizon behind them.

Program

Wild Hearts Idaho

Wild Hearts Idaho is a non-profit that builds community, confidence, and leadership skills for middle and high school girls through free outdoor adventures. 

A close-up shot of Dan riding his trike with a confident grin.

Program

Spokes Fighting Strokes

Spokes Fighting Strokes (Spokes) introduces recovery through exercise and fun by providing recumbent trikes to stroke survivors, amputees, able-bodied humans, and those with or who have had traumatic brain injury (TBI), neck and back injury, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis (MS), and cerebral palsy (CP). 

An aerial image of the playground showing play equipment, gathering spaces, and a painted ground mural looping around the playground.

Place

Louis H. Farrell Elementary School

This project was designed to advance literacy and learning goals while promoting playful learning in public schoolyards. Key features include a Gateway Plaza, a Literacy Art Loop, an Outdoor Classroom & Performance Space, separate play areas for older and younger children, and a Native Pollinator Meadow & Nature Discovery Trail.