USOPC, NCAA Ramp Up Collegiate Para Sports in 2024
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and NCAA are doubling down on their joint efforts to promote Paralympic sports on college campuses nationwide. Building off last year’s successful initiatives, 2024 will see several marquee events and new programs aimed at raising awareness, increasing opportunities and supporting the next generation of Para athletes.
Wheelchair Basketball Takes Center Stage
The Division I Women’s Final Four in Cleveland will feature a halftime exhibition between the U.S. Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball Team and an NCAA All-Star squad. Fans will be treated to an inspiring exhibition game and athlete recognition ceremony during the championship tilt on April 7th.
Wheelchair Tennis Joins NCAA Championships
The top collegiate wheelchair tennis players will compete for national titles alongside the NCAA Division I Tennis Championships in Stillwater, Oklahoma from May 24-25. The wheelchair semifinal and final matches will be held on the main courts between the NCAA singles and doubles finals.
NCAA Track Crowns First Wheelchair Sprint Champs
In a historic first, the 100-meter wheelchair races will be contested at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships from June 7-8 in Eugene, Oregon. Eight men and eight women will race for national collegiate titles after qualifying at the University of Arizona and University of Illinois.
New Para-College Sport Hub Launches
To centralize resources and spur growth, the USOPC and NCAA are unveiling a “Para-College Sport Hub” – a one-stop shop for prospective athletes, coaches, and administrators looking to get involved or start programs on campus. The hub aims to expand the collegiate Paralympic sports pipeline nationwide.
The 2024 activations continue the momentum from last year’s joint project focused on increasing Paralympic sport opportunities at the NCAA level. The unprecedented collaboration is helping inspire and develop the next wave of Paralympic talent.