The CAF Virtual Adaptive Track & Field Program provides self-directed track & field training to middle school and high school athletes around the country. This program is accessible year-round and includes six-weeks’ worth of track & field practice plans, video tutorials, challenges, and additional resources. You can determine the rate in which you participate based on your ability level, interest, time, etc.
Before you get started, we have a welcome message from 17x Paralympic medalist, Tatyana McFadden. Good luck, modify as needed, have fun, and reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions!
Below, you will find the track & field practice plans for the disciplines of ambulatory sprints, ambulatory throws (shot put), seated throws (shot put), and wheelchair racing (both track and roller). Continue scrolling to find the weekly videos that coincide with the practice plans.
If you would like to upload your practices and challenge results, please share on our CAF High School Adaptive Track & Field Facebook Group.
Interested in learning about grant opportunities through the Virtual Adaptive Track & Field Program? Please contact [email protected].
If needed, you should modify drills in order to perform movements safely and with good form, move through practices at a slower pace, use stabilizing objects, eliminate weight from strength & conditioning drills, and rest as needed. If an exercise cannot be modified, you can skip that movement and focus on other exercises that work for you!
This program is all about getting active, acquiring new skills, and having FUN – don’t get discouraged if something is difficult. Just try your best and enjoy the learning process!
As you complete your practices and challenges, please share on social media using the tag @cafoundation and the hashtag #CAFHighSchoolSports for a chance to be featured on our social media platforms!
We also encourage you to post your own modifications for any of the warm-ups, drills, and strength & conditioning exercises so other athletes can learn about how YOU are adapting to the program! Make sure you are wearing a CAF shirt as you represent the High School Adaptive Sports Program!
Follow CAF on social media and join our High School Adaptive Sports Program Facebook Group for an opportunity to meet other athletes!
Kym Crosby-Hightower is a professional athlete and sprinter for U.S. Paralympic Track & Field. Kym also doubles as a Ambulatory Sprints Coach for the High School Adaptive Sports Program!
Kym, born with albinism, has no pigment in her hair, skin or eyes and is legally blind with 20/400 vision. She started in the sport when her brother suggested she join her high school track & field team which led her to run collegiately at Chico State and make the U.S. Paralympic Track & Field National Team. Kym took home bronze in the 100m in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games and a gold medal in the 2019 Parapan Games.
Justin Phongsavanh was a multi-sport athlete all throughout high school participating in football wrestling, track and field and rugby. Justin was involved in a random act of violence at a McDonald’s in 2015 that resulted in him getting shot multiple times resulting in a spinal cord injury.
He is now a member of the U.S. Paralympic Track & Field National Team in seated throwing. Justin is a 2019 Parapan American Games gold medalist and a national champion in javelin. Justin is excited to be the 2021 High School Adaptive Sports Program Seated Throwing Coach!
Gustavo Osorio is a Strength & Conditioning Coach with Team USA Paralympics, working predominantly with Para Track & Field. Hailing from his hometown of Woodbridge, VA. Gustavo was a multi-sport athlete growing up, eventually focusing on Track & Field in high school and college.
He competed as a collegiate decathlete and has experience in sprinting, jumping, and throwing events. Gustavo is eager to be part of the 2021 High School Adaptive Sports Program as the Ambulatory Throws Coach because he wants to help grow the adaptive sports movement in the US!
Erik Hightower was born with spina bifida and started his wheelchair racing career at the young age of eight years old. Erik has 25+ years of experience and is currently ranked in the top 10 in the world in the 100m T54 class.
Some of Erik’s more recent accomplishments include a silver medal in the 100M, a sliver medal in the 400M, and a gold medal in the 4x100M relay all at the 2019 Parapan American Games. Additionally, Erik won a gold medal in the 4x100M relay at the 2019 World Championships. Erik is excited to coach wheelchair racing for the 2021 High School Adaptive Sports Program!
