SuperH 5K Run, Walk & Wheel Supports Adaptive Sports Athletes at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital

SuperH 5K Run, Walk & Wheel Supports Adaptive Sports Athletes at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital

SuperH 5K Run, Walk & Wheel Raises Support for Adaptive Sports and Rehabilitation at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital

The SuperH 5K Run, Walk & Wheel is celebrating its 23rd year of supporting adaptive sports and fitness programs at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital (MedStar NRH), helping individuals with physical disabilities access inclusive sports, fitness activities and rehabilitation opportunities at no cost.

Founded by former MedStar NRH patient Harry Freedman and his wife, Renie, the annual event was created as a way to give back to the hospital after Harry recovered from a workplace accident. Over more than two decades, SuperH has evolved into a major community fundraising event dedicated to promoting adaptive athletics, independence and quality of life for people recovering from life-altering injuries and illnesses.

SuperH 5K Supports Adaptive Sports and Inclusive Fitness

Adaptive sports can play an important role in physical rehabilitation and long-term recovery. In addition to improving physical fitness, participation can help individuals build confidence, develop greater independence and create meaningful connections with their communities.

MedStar NRH’s Adaptive Sports and Fitness program provides patients and individuals with physical disabilities access to a wide range of recreational and competitive sports. The programs are offered at no cost to eligible MedStar NRH patients, helping reduce financial barriers to participation.

“Our adaptive sports programs are a welcoming and inclusive space. We want everyone to know there are these options available to them,” said Harsh Thakkar, director of community engagement and quality of life services for MedStar Health. “We can help so many people thanks to the money raised through events like SuperH. We are thankful for another year of support.”

23rd Annual SuperH Event in Virginia

The 23rd annual SuperH 5K Run, Walk & Wheel is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, at OneLife Fitness in Tysons, Virginia, beginning at 8 a.m.

Participants can select either the 5K course or a one-mile fun run, allowing people with different abilities and fitness levels to take part. The event brings together adaptive athletes, families, healthcare supporters, donors, sponsors and members of the community to raise awareness and funds for inclusive sports and rehabilitation programs.

The event also includes an after-race celebration, providing participants and supporters an opportunity to recognize the impact of adaptive sports and celebrate the community behind the initiative.

Adaptive Sports Help Build Confidence and Independence

For people recovering from serious injuries or living with physical disabilities, adaptive sports can offer benefits that extend beyond physical activity.

Marta and Jose Icochea, parents of adaptive athlete Adrian, said the programs have helped their son develop confidence, independence and a stronger sense of belonging.

“Adaptive sports have made such a difference in Adrian’s life. They’ve helped him build confidence, independence, and a real sense of belonging,” said Marta and Jose Icochea. “These programs have also given our whole family an incredible community of support, and that means so much to us.”

Their experience highlights the broader role of adaptive athletics in helping individuals and families navigate life following major health challenges.

Wide Range of Adaptive Sports Programs

MedStar NRH’s Adaptive Sports and Fitness program provides opportunities across multiple sports and recreational activities, including:

• Wheelchair basketball
• Wheelchair rugby
• Wheelchair tennis
• Adaptive cycling
• Sled hockey
• Boccia ball
• Adaptive rowing
• Adaptive fitness classes

The program supports participants across different skill levels, from individuals trying adaptive sports for the first time to athletes pursuing higher levels of competition.

In addition to coaching and training, participants can receive support with adaptive equipment and travel assistance, while tournaments, camps and other community events are held throughout the year.

Harry Freedman’s 23-Year Commitment to Adaptive Athletics

For Harry Freedman, SuperH has a deeply personal connection. His own experience as a MedStar NRH patient inspired him and his wife, Renie, to create the event and support other individuals benefiting from rehabilitation and adaptive sports.

“I am so very proud to be a part of this event and watch the programs we support grow over the past 23 years,” Freedman said. “I personally know how vital adaptive sports can be to someone’s recovery and I’m thankful I can help give back in some small ways.”

Freedman also credited the event’s sponsors, donors and participants for helping sustain its impact over the years.

SuperH Raises More Than $1 Million for Adaptive Sports

Community support has enabled the SuperH event to raise more than $1 million over the past 23 years for adaptive sports and fitness programs at MedStar NRH.

The funds help maintain programs that provide access to sports, training, equipment and community experiences, supporting individuals as they work toward improved fitness, confidence and independence.

For this year’s event, organizers have established a fundraising target of $150,000.

Advancing Inclusive Healthcare Through Adaptive Sports

The continued growth of SuperH highlights the connection between rehabilitation, physical activity, mental well-being and community inclusion. Adaptive sports can provide people with physical disabilities opportunities to remain active while developing skills and confidence following significant health events.

As the SuperH 5K Run, Walk & Wheel enters its 23rd year, its fundraising efforts continue to support MedStar NRH’s commitment to making adaptive sports and fitness more accessible.

The initiative demonstrates how community-driven healthcare programs can extend the benefits of rehabilitation beyond the clinical setting, helping individuals pursue active lifestyles, strengthen independence and build supportive communities.

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