Expanding Opportunities for Youth Through Adaptive and Inclusive Sports

Sports are a great way to stay active, have fun, get involved, and build confidence. Adaptive sports help remove barriers and create opportunities for people with disabilities to develop new skills and reach their goals. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) spoke with Gunner Hartley, an adaptive athlete, about his experience with seated track and field and how it has positively impacted his life.

How did you get interested in track and field?

Hartley: "I started track in seventh grade when I joined my school's team in 2026. Before starting, I saw my sister compete and make it to state, so I wanted to give it a try."

What was your first competition like?

Hartley: "At first, I was nervous. I thought I was going to lose, but once the race started, I started to feel confident about my performance."

What do you enjoy most about your sport?

Hartley: "Being part of the team. I'm the only athlete with a disability on the team, and at first, it was intimidating. Some of my teammates didn't understand how seated racing was scored, and even the coaches were learning about it. But over time, everyone got to know me, and it became a great experience."

What motivates you to keep competing?

Hartley: "I want to keep winning and being part of the team. I enjoy competing and seeing how much I can improve."

What does being part of the team mean to you?

Hartley: "It means a lot. I'm treated just like everyone else, and it's great to be included and work with my teammates. The best part of the season was growing with the team, coaches, and fans. My coaches have a large track team, so learning about seated racing wasn't easy at first. But seeing people learn about it, accept me, and support seated racing has been special."

What was it like competing at state this year?

Hartley: "I was scared and nervous, but excited at the same time. To qualify for state, you had to meet certain time requirements, and I did my very first competition. At state, I raced against other seated runners for the first time. I was nervous around the other athletes, but when we all came out onto the field together and lined up to race, it was awesome."

What has been your proudest moment so far?

Hartley: "Winning the 100-meter and 400-meter races at state. When I crossed the finish line, it was the best moment, and I had the biggest smile on my face."

What goal are you working toward next?

Hartley: "I want to get faster and win state again. I'm working hard to improve and become a better athlete."

Have you tried any other adaptive sports?

Hartley: "Yes, I play sled hockey. My parents were asked if I wanted to join a sled hockey team, and I tried it and loved it. It has been great meeting new friends."

How has participating in sports changed your confidence or daily life?

Hartley: "My confidence has grown a lot this year. Being part of the track team gave me something to work toward. The other students really supported me. They stood along the track and cheered me on, and the fans in the stadium were excited to watch me race. Before the state meet, my school even held a clap-out for me."

Would you like to continue competing in high school and beyond?

Hartley: "Definitely. I'm working on learning how to better use my racing bike and improving my strength. The bike takes a lot of practice because it doesn't have steering handles, so you need to learn how to control it correctly."

Who has helped or supported you the most in your track journey?

Hartley: "My grandma has helped me the most. She found my racing bike at Ohio Adaptive Sports in Wooster and attended a training with me to learn about seated track and field."

Are there any athletes you look up to?

Hartley: "Jaydon Jenkins. He's a seated runner and sled hockey player who reached out to my grandma and helped me get started. He has won several seated track championships."

What advice would you give to another kid with a disability who wants to try sports?

Hartley: "Go for it. If you don't like it, you don't have to continue, but at least give it a try."

To learn more about adaptive sports and how to get involved, visit Adaptive Sports Ohio.