Every Tuesday in February, something special unfolded at the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse. Athletes of all ages and abilities gathered for an electrifying journey into two iconic Paralympic sports: curling and roller sled hockey. With the 2026 Paralympic Games on the horizon, the energy was palpable as a total of 40 participants over the weeks came together to learn, compete, and celebrate the power of adaptive sports.
The CAF-Idaho clinic series ran throughout February on the 3rd, 10th, 14th, and 17th, transforming the indoor gym into a hub of athletic excellence and community spirit. Whether participants had never touched a curling stone or stepped into a sled hockey frame before, or were returning athletes eager to refine their skills, the welcoming atmosphere made everyone feel at home.
The indoor setting of the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse proved ideal for introducing these winter sports, creating a safe and accessible environment where athletes could focus on fundamentals without weather concerns. The controlled space allowed peer leaders to break down techniques while maintaining the authentic feel of these dynamic sports.
Curling demands precision, strategy, and teamwork—qualities that were on full display throughout the clinic series. Participants learned the delicate art of delivering stones down the ice, understanding weight and angle, and the crucial communication required between teammates. The sport’s chess-like strategic elements captivated athletes who discovered that physical skill and mental acuity combine to create truly compelling competition.
Fast-paced and thrilling, roller sled hockey brought a different kind of energy to each session. Athletes experienced the adrenaline rush of maneuvering sleds across the gym floor, stick-handling, passing, and shooting. The sport’s emphasis on speed, agility, and teamwork created memorable moments of triumph as participants mastered new skills and pushed their boundaries week after week.
Two exceptional peer leaders—Josh Sweeney and Travis Ricks—and one peer leader—Zach Sherman—brought invaluable experience and encouragement to every session. These accomplished athletes didn’t just demonstrate techniques; they shared their personal journeys, offered individualized coaching, and created an atmosphere where every participant felt empowered to try, fail, improve, and succeed.
Their hands-on approach to instruction meant that participants received real-time feedback, personalized tips, and the kind of mentorship that can only come from those who have walked the path themselves. The peer leaders’ enthusiasm was infectious, turning each Tuesday into an anticipated highlight of the week.
While participants certainly developed athletic abilities over the four-week series, something deeper emerged at the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse. Friendships formed in the shared experience of learning something new. People connected over their achievements. Athletes who arrived as strangers left as teammates, united by their common experience and mutual support.
The clinic exemplified how adaptive sports create communities where differences become connection points and challenges transform into opportunities. Week by week, confidence grew alongside technical skills. Athletes who tentatively tried their first curling delivery in early February were strategizing throws and celebrating precision shots by month’s end. Those initially uncertain in a sled hockey frame were racing across the gym, executing plays, and high-fiving teammates after successful drills.
With the 2026 Paralympic Games drawing closer, the timing of this clinic series held special significance. Participants gained firsthand understanding of the athleticism, innovation, and dedication that define Paralympic sport. They witnessed how adaptive equipment doesn’t limit athletes—it enables them to compete at the highest levels.
The clinic also deepened appreciation for Paralympic athletes’ journeys. By experiencing the physical demands and strategic complexity of these sports themselves, participants developed a richer connection to the Games and the remarkable athletes who will represent their countries on the world stage.
The CAF-Idaho clinic series exemplifies the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s mission to provide opportunities for people with physical disabilities to pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. By bringing Paralympic sports directly to the community, offering expert instruction, and creating an inclusive environment, CAF removed barriers and opened doors.
For some participants, these Tuesday sessions represented their first exposure to adaptive sports. For others, it was a chance to try something new alongside supportive peers. And for everyone involved, it was a reminder that sport has the power to transform lives, build confidence, and create lasting connections.
The energy and enthusiasm for these sports didn’t end when the final session concluded. Participants left with new skills, fresh perspectives, and connections to Idaho’s vibrant adaptive sports community. Many discovered passions they’ll pursue long-term, whether recreationally or competitively.
The spirit of these Tuesday gatherings represents what’s possible when community, expertise, and inclusive vision combine. Whether you’re an athlete with a physical disability looking to discover your sport, a family member wanting to support an athlete’s journey, or someone passionate about creating opportunities in your community—there’s a place for you in the adaptive sports movement.
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