Sports belong to all of us, and keeping that liberty alive is a goal Clemson strives to accomplish. Brian Ruete, an intern with Clemson Adaptive Sports and Recreations, lives that goal every day.

An army veteran of 12 years who lives with service-connected disabilities, Ruete has a passion for bringing athletics to all.

As the first adaptive sports intern, Ruete plans and facilitates lots of athletic activities for Clemson community members with disabilities.

“The best part of the job is the smiles, man,” Ruete reminisced while discussing a recent paralympic event, “Seeing these people get a part of their soul back, you can’t beat that.”

A few weeks ago, Clemson Adaptive Sports and Recreation put on a wheelchair basketball tournament. Teams from Alabama, Atlanta and Charlotte, North Carolina, came to Clemson to compete. Events like that take a lot of effort and coordination, but their value cannot be understated.

Funding the program is a constant challenge. Grants from both Clemson University and Veterans Affairs help to support adaptive sports, allowing wheelchair volleyball, basketball and tennis teams. Fike Recreation Center offers intramural leagues for wheelchair users. Adaptive sports also field a competitive Paralympic soccer team.

Volunteers are crucial to helping adaptive sports facilitate events. The Recreational Therapy department, as well as Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, often helps field volunteers but always accepts more help.

Growing the adaptive sports program is always front of mind for the organization, and the opportunities to share passion and empower fellow Clemson students and community members.

Spring Palmetto Games take place in April, and the event is planned to include air rifle, track and field and swimming events, with room to add more if interest surfaces.