Catalyst Sports

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 gillian@catalystsports.org (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