At North Carolina Adapted Sports (NCAS), we believe in the transformative power of sports for individuals with disabilities. Our programs provide opportunities for athletes to push their limits, build confidence, and create lasting memories.
Founded in 2022, NCAS is a volunteer & community driven, 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
All involved with NCAS will foster a community
of respect & support
We will encourage inventiveness & raise the expectations of inclusivity & equity for athletes to take healthy risks which will set our organization apart
We will focus on areas of collaborative partnership development as well as community & business outreach
The NCAS team will uphold all involved to the core values & standards
of our organization
1) Build a sustainable adapted sports non-profit
2) Create greater awareness of the capabilities of people with disabilities through outreach & support
3) Develop NCAS as a leading organization in finding resources and information for the community with a disability
4) Enable people with disabilities to achieve & lead fulfilling lives & to challenge societal perceptions
5) Cultivate athletes through sports and wellness, assisting them in acquiring the necessary tools to participate
At North Carolina Adapted Sports, an athlete is an individual who actively engages in sports or physical activities, embracing their unique physical abilities and talents. We believe that all individuals, regardless of their physical ability, have the potential to be athletes. Whether someone is able-bodied, differently abled, or has a disability, their active participation and commitment to sports, physical activities or being healthy make them an athlete. At NC Adapted Sports, we embrace and celebrate the athleticism of every person, recognizing that their dedication and passion contribute to the spirit of sportsmanship and achievement.
NC Adapted Sports is dedicated to ensuring equitable opportunities
and access for all.
At NC Adapted Sports, we stand firmly against racism and strive to create an inclusive and equitable environment for all. We believe that every individual, regardless of their race, deserves respect, dignity, and equal opportunities. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive community, actively work to dismantle systemic barriers, and are committed to fostering an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and empowered. We recognize the importance of celebrating our differences, as they enrich our community and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant organization. Join us at NC Adapted Sports as we build a more equitable, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community free from discrimination where everyone can participate, belong, and thrive.
1) Regularly review and update organizational policies to ensure they align with antiracist principles, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.
2) Actively seek out and engage with diverse communities and individuals, ensuring their voices are heard, valued, and incorporated into decision-making processes.
3) Develop partnerships with organizations that prioritize antiracist work, collaborating on initiatives and sharing best practices.
4) Regularly assess and address any potential biases or disparities in program access, ensuring that all individuals have equitable opportunities to participate in adaptive sports.
5) Communicate openly and transparently with stakeholders about the organization's antiracist efforts, providing updates, sharing successes, and acknowledging challenges along the way.
6) Conduct regular diversity audits to evaluate progress, identify areas for improvement, and hold the organization accountable to its antiracist goals.
7) Promote representation and inclusion in all aspects of NC Adapted Sports, including leadership positions, coaching staff, and event participants.
These actions demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning, growth, and accountability, helping NC Adapted Sports create a truly inclusive and antiracist environment.
Co-Founder & Chief Engagement Officer
Born and raised in North Carolina, Wes was just 15 years old when he was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, leading to the amputation of his entire right leg (hip disarticulation).
This is when his adapted sports adventures began, as he had a supportive group of friends that helped him push the limits of what was possible.
During his high school years, he learned to bodyboard, surf, sail, hydroboard, snow ski, and swam for John T Hoggard High School. Soon after, Wes trained to become a lifeguard and eventually became a certified American Red Cross lifeguard as well as a YMCA Lifeguard Instructor Trainer. In 1990, he started coaching swim team at the YWCA in Wilmington and then with the YMCA of the Triangle Area. He graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in biology. After UNC, he started working full-time at the Taylor Family YMCA as Aquatic Coordinator, which is where he started the kayaking program to serve youth in the YMCA summer day camp programs.
He has received the British Canoe Union 3 Star Award, Rescue Award, and Level 2 Instructor. He also received the American Canoe Association’s L2 Instructor and Adapted Paddle Endorsements.
In 2012 Wes started training for K1 kayak sprint for the Rio Paralympics and started volunteering developing an adapted paddle program for Bridge II Sports, which led to him being Director of Programs for Bridge II Sports from 2018 to March 2022, overseeing eight adapted programs.
Wes has a passion for getting people with a physical disability involved in sports to lead an active lifestyle. He wants to create a more inclusive and equitable world for adapted athletes.
Co-Founder & Director of Development
Tony was born near Pittsburgh, PA but raised in and around the Raleigh, N.C. area since he was 18 months old. After graduating from Cary High in 1989, Tony started college at UNCW and attended there until suffering complete kidney failure in the summer of 1991. After 4+ years of dialysis, he received a kidney transplant in 1995 and went back to school part-time eventually landing a job working in the healthcare industry. After battling cancer (renal cell carcinoma) and requiring 3 amputations (a toe, left leg, & right leg, both below the knee), Tony discovered adapted sports in the form of sled ice hockey and adaptive mountain biking as well as adaptive road biking. Tony has been married for 24 years to an amazing woman (Kathy) and has two children, Logan (22) and Ella (19).
Tony had an insatiable entrepreneurial spirit and loves to create new things. He enjoyed woodworking, electro etching on water bottles and knives, creating axe/knife targets, as well as working with precious metal clays and creating custom jewelry in his kiln. A big kid at heart, Tony enjoyed anything that involves working with or teaching kids.
Tony past away July 19th, 2024. His desire to serve the community living with a physical disability was devout and he had a saying “Let’s Make It Happen”. This quote from Tony will live on with the NCAS family as we honor his legacy and his tenacity of bringing NC Adapted Sports to life with Co-founder, Wes Hall.
In his honor, we will give a
Tony Luparello Make It Happen Award to the volunteer and athlete that went above the call to improve the lives of people with a physical disability.
NCAS is privileged to have some very talented and accomplished individuals advocating for our organization. Each board member has committed their time, talents, and resources to create strategy and vision for future growth and success.
We have strategically included board members from across our community, many living life with disability, bringing their unique perspectives to the team.
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