ATHENS, Ga. – The University of Georgia Gerontology Center will hold a colloquium titled “Off the Sidelines and Into the Game: Adapting Sports and Recreation From Both Ends of the Lifespan” by Roger Keeney. The talk will take place at the Gerontology Center, 255 E. Hancock Avenue, on Tuesday, Sept. 30, from noon to 1 p.m. Free parking is available in the rear lot.
Keeney will compare the benefits and difficulties of adapting sports and recreation activities for children with disabilities and older adults. “How to” questions will be explored concerning ways to adapt activities, and barriers that seem insurmountable will be addressed. The session will conclude with discussion about attitudes and the pervasive impact they deliver to many areas of life.
Keeney is currently a doctoral candidate in UGA’s Department of Physical Education and Sports Studies. His doctoral research involves investigating the benefits of adapted sports programs for primary and secondary aged school children with mobility or visual disabilities. He has worked in the field of adapted recreation and advocacy for people with disabilities for more than 30 years.
He currently is chairman of the Athens-Clarke Commission on Disability and president of the Athens Council of the Blind. He also serves on the board of directors of Multiple Choices Center for Independent Living and Housing and Economic Leadership Partners. Keeney frequently conducts workshops in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere. Additionally, he has an ongoing consultant relationship with several third world countries, assisting in the development of programs for citizens with disabilities.
