For those with disabilities, adaptive sports such as wheelchair basketball, power soccer, quad rugby, handcycling, sit volleyball and more, are a chance for people to get out and be active. Many often feel like they are shuttered when they are suddenly disabled.

For Lamont Barrett, 17, of Washington, D.C., an NRH patient, it got him away from the confines of his room for just a few hours. Barrett, who attends Anacostia High School, was granted permission by NRH therapists to come out for one of the regular Monday handcycling clinics. Barrett and the other handcyclists got to experience one of two paths at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in D.C., where the weekly clinics are held – the two-mile circuit or the shorter one. “It was cool,” said Barrett, who rode his handcycle on the shorter path. “The hills felt pretty steep at first and it was hard work, but I had a blast. I definitely want to do it again.”

Visit medstarnrh.org/SuperH5k for more on the NRH Super H 5K Run, Walk and Wheel. The event takes place this year on Sunday, September 25, 2011 with registration at 7 a.m., and the race beginning at 8 a.m., at Sport and Health Club in McLean, VA (Tysons Corner).

And even if you don’t participate in the race or can’t make it, you can always make a donation through the link above. Patients like Lamont will be glad you did.

Derek Berry, NRH Media Relations Manager