501(c)(3) Nonprofit  ·  Adaptive Sports for Every Ability

Adaptive
Sports
for Every
Ability.

Southern Utah Adaptive Sports breaks down barriers so individuals with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities can experience the power of sport, community, and personal growth, no matter where they are.

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18,011Individuals under 65 in our home community are living with a disability
8.5%Of our local population are impacted by disability
10,443Military veterans in our home community
23%Must abandon recreational activities due to barriers
61%In residential settings rarely leave home
Local data from our home community. The need exists everywhere, and so does our commitment to help.

Founded in Southern Utah  ·  Open to Anyone, Anywhere  ·  Our mission knows no boundaries.

Our Story

Built From
Personal Experience

Open to everyone, everywhere.SUAS was founded in Southern Utah, but our mission has no boundaries. We welcome and support anyone in need of adaptive sports, recreation, and community.

Southern Utah Adaptive Sports is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals of all abilities through inclusive sports, recreation, and outdoor adventure. Founded by Executive Director Matt Blanchard, the organization grew from a personal journey of resilience after surviving two serious vehicle accidents that resulted in life-changing spinal cord injuries.

Matt's recovery revealed the powerful role adaptive sports play in rebuilding strength, confidence, and community. This inspired a mission to share that opportunity with everyone who needs it.

Today, SUAS serves individuals of all ages, offering a welcoming space to grow, connect, and discover new possibilities. We are building a more inclusive world, starting in Southern Utah, where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive.

Matt Blanchard on adaptive golf cart
Our Foundation

Mission, Vision & Values

Our Mission
To empower individuals of all abilities through sports and recreation that foster fitness, connection, and personal growth.
Our Vision
A world of inclusion where everyone experiences the joys of sports and recreation, regardless of ability.
Who We Serve
Individuals of all ages with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities. No geographic limits. Anyone, anywhere.
Core Values
Inclusion, Empowerment, Community, Innovation, and Excellence in everything we do.
"Adaptive sports didn't just rebuild my body.
They rebuilt who I am."
— Matt Blanchard, Chairperson / CEO, Southern Utah Adaptive Sports
Why We Exist

Our Purpose

We believe that every person, regardless of ability, deserves the chance to move, belong, and thrive. Millions of individuals with disabilities face barriers that limit access to sports, recreation, and the sense of community that comes with them. We exist to change that.

Our purpose is rooted in a simple truth: adaptive sports are more than activities. They are pathways to confidence, independence, healing, and human connection. When someone gets on an adaptive bike for the first time, or sinks a putt they didn't think was possible, something shifts. That's what we're here for.

We do this work because the gap between what people with disabilities are told they can't do and what they're actually capable of is enormous. Sport is one of the most powerful ways to close it.

Three people on adaptive bikes
Confidence
Building self-belief through achievement and mastery of new skills.
Connection
Creating belonging through shared experience, sport, and community.
Healing
Movement and recreation as pathways to physical and emotional recovery.
Independence
Empowering individuals to discover what they're capable of, on their own terms.
What We Do

Our Programs

Our programs create inclusive opportunities for individuals of all abilities to stay active, build confidence, and connect. With specialized adaptive equipment and welcoming environments, every participant experiences sport on their own terms.

Active Now
Adaptive Golf
Modified programming using adaptive golf carts and equipment for all ability levels, including open play, clinics, and competitive events.
Learn More →
Active Now
Adaptive Cycling
Hand-cycles, recumbents, off-road adaptive bikes, and more, bringing the freedom of cycling to individuals of every ability level.
Learn More →
Southern Utah Adaptive Sports logo
Coming Soon
Expanding Programs
Wheelchair Basketball
Adaptive Pickleball
Water Sports
Adaptive Archery
Learn More →

Expanding Programs

We are growing. Here is what is coming soon — sign up to be notified when new programs launch.

Coming Soon
Wheelchair Basketball
Competitive and recreational wheelchair basketball for all skill levels. Team-based play that builds strength, coordination, and camaraderie.
Coming Soon
Adaptive Pickleball
One of the fastest-growing sports in America — now adapted for wheelchair users and individuals with mobility limitations.
Coming Soon
Water Sports
Adaptive kayaking, paddleboarding, and water recreation in the beautiful waterways of Southern Utah and beyond.
Coming Soon
Adaptive Archery
Precision, focus, and community. Adaptive archery is accessible to nearly all ability levels and builds incredible mental discipline.
Get Notified When Programs Launch →
Watch

See Us In Action

Adaptive Golf
On the course
Adaptive Cycling
On the trail
Big Rigs
Not a wheelchair
Our Approach

What Makes Every
SUAS Program Different

01No Experience Required
No Experience Required
We start where you are. Every program welcomes first-timers at any ability level.
02Community First
Community First
Our programs are as much about connection and belonging as they are about sport.
03Trained Volunteers
Trained Volunteers
Every session is supported by people who show up because they genuinely care.
04Equipment Provided
Equipment Provided
Adaptive gear is available so cost and access are never the barrier to participation.
Our Network

Key Collaborations & Sponsors

We are proud to collaborate with several key partners who help make our programs possible.

Stand Up & Play Foundation
Stand Up & Play Foundation
Utah Tech University
Utah Tech University
Huntsman World Senior Games
Huntsman World Senior Games
We Win Injury Law
We Win Injury Law
National Ability Center
National Ability Center
City of St. George
City of St. George
Intermountain Health & SelectHealth
Intermountain Health & SelectHealth
Summit Athletic Club
Summit Athletic Club
Vibrix Pharmacy
Vibrix Pharmacy
Archery Contracting
Archery Contracting
Wasatch Adaptive Sports
Wasatch Adaptive Sports
Not A Wheelchair
Not A Wheelchair
Wilkinson Electric Inc
Wilkinson Electric Inc
Our Team

Leadership

Board of Directors
  • Matt Blanchard — Chairperson / CEO
  • Ben Blanchard — COO / Program Director
  • Natalie Blanchard — Treasurer / Program Director
  • Jill Blanchard — Secretary / Program Director
  • Brooklyn & Johan Ramirez — General Board Members
Advisory Board
  • Kenny Miller
  • Kasi Miller
  • Tyler Wilkinson
  • Jennifer Wilkinson
  • Travis Wilkinson
  • Holly Wilkinson
  • Joe Levine
  • Troy Ence
  • Tad Griffiths
  • Todd Abblehouzen
  • Roxanne Butterfield
Get In Touch

Contact Us

Whether you're looking to participate, volunteer, sponsor, or simply learn more, we'd love to hear from you. No matter where you are.

Address39 S. 1790 West Circle, St. George, UT 84770
Phone(435) 231-5809
Emailmatt@southernutahadaptivesports.org
Websitesuadaptivesports.org
Take Action

Get Involved

There are many ways to support SUAS and help bring adaptive sports to more individuals everywhere.

Make a Donation → Become a Sponsor → Volunteer With Us → Join a Program →