Disabled Athlete Sports Association

Who We Are...

The Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA) is dedicated to empowering individuals with physical disabilities through adaptive sports, fitness, and therapeutic recreation. We believe that every person—regardless of ability—deserves the opportunity to lead an active and fulfilling life. Through our programs, we provide inclusive, high-quality training and competition opportunities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

For more than 28 years, DASA has been a leader in the St. Louis community and surrounding midwestern region, helping athletes of all ages and ability levels break barriers, build confidence, and reach their fullest potential. Whether it’s introducing a child to their first adaptive sport, training elite Paralympic athletes, or creating a supportive fitness environment for individuals recovering from life-changing injuries, DASA is committed to changing lives through movement and sport.

What We Do

DASA offers a wide range of adaptive sports and fitness programs tailored to meet the needs of our athletes:

✅ Adaptive Sports: We provide competitive and recreational opportunities in wheelchair basketball, sled hockey, swimming, wheelchair rugby, track and field, power soccer, archery, and more. Our athletes participate at all levels—from local programs to national and international competitions.

✅ DASA Ability Gym: Our one-of-a-kind adaptive fitness center offers specialized strength and conditioning programs designed for individuals with physical disabilities. From personalized one-on-one training to group fitness, our certified trainers help athletes improve mobility, endurance, and overall well-being.

✅ Therapeutic Recreation & Developmental Programs: We believe in meeting individuals where they are and providing them with opportunities to grow. Whether it's our Wiggles & Giggles Toddler program or our competition programs, we create a welcoming environment for newcomers and experienced athletes alike.

✅ Community & School Partnerships: DASA actively works with schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers to introduce more people to adaptive sports. We also support families in navigating the world of physical disability sports, ensuring that athletes of all ages and backgrounds have access to the resources they need to succeed.

Our Impact

📍 We Serve Over 380 Athletes Annually – From young children trying their first sport to elite competitors training for international events, we provide opportunities for athletes of all ability levels.

🏅 Producing Champions – DASA has proudly developed athletes who have gone on to compete at the Paralympic and national levels, demonstrating the power of adaptive sports to create life-changing opportunities.

🤝 More Than Sports – We aren’t just about competition; we are about building confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. The skills, friendships, and resilience our athletes gain extend far beyond the field, court, or pool.

Why Support DASA?

DASA is a nonprofit organization, and we rely on the generosity of our community, sponsors, and donors to continue providing these vital programs. Your support helps us:

💙 Ensure that no athlete is turned away due to financial barriers 💙 Purchase specialized adaptive equipment for athletes with physical disabilities 💙 Expand our programs to reach more individuals with physical disabilities 💙 Provide scholarships for athletes to compete at higher levels

With your help, we can continue to empower, inspire, and uplift individuals with physical disabilities through the power of sports and fitness. Together, we can break barriers and redefine possibilities for so many athletes who deserve the opportunity to thrive.

Join us. Support us. Be part of the DASA family.