How Adaptive Sports in Mid-Michigan Are Changing Lives

For athletes with physical disabilities in Mid-Michigan, the Michigan Victory Games offers more than medals or ribbons. The annual adaptive sports competition provides something that many participants have never had before — a place to compete, connect and belong.

There's a non-profit organization in Lansing that helps to support athletes as they train to compete in events ranging from swimming and cycling to track, field, and powerlifting.

Creating Opportunity Through Sport

Lansing Strong President and Head Coach Dana Utterback says the organization was built around opportunity — especially for athletes who were often told sports weren't for them.

"Giving these individuals a place to excel in something that they've always been told they couldn't do is why we're here," Utterback said.

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Founded in 2014, Lansing Strong has grown into a close-knit team that prepares athletes for the Michigan Victory Games while simultaneously fostering confidence and a sense of community.

"When you love to do something and you're always told you can't, there's got to be a way," Utterback said. "And this is their way of competing and finding the joy in sports."

For many athletes, traditional school or adult sports programs were never accessible. Lansing Strong fills that void.

More Than Competition

Utterback's message resonates with athletes like Dustin Smith, who has been part of Lansing Strong since the program began and competes in biking, swimming, javelin, and discus.

Smith, who has cerebral palsy, says adaptive sports have never been about limitations. "It's a competition, but I don't think of it that way," he said. "It's just going out there, having fun, and making relationships."

While athletes earn ribbons and awards at the Michigan Victory Games, Smith says it's something else that makes him return every year.

"The relationship is why I keep coming back," he said.

Utterback agrees. "They become a family," she said.

Inclusive and Competitive

The Michigan Victory Games balance competition with encouragement. Teams earn points based on participation and performance, but the atmosphere remains supportive.

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"They are competing, but everybody is rooting for everybody," Utterback said.

For some participants, the Michigan Victory Games are also a stepping stone toward higher levels of competition, including the Paralympics.

Powered by Community Support

Both Lansing Strong and the Michigan Victory Games rely on the generosity of others for funding.

"Michigan Victory Games is all by donations. Our team is all by donations," Utterback said, noting the goal is to remove financial barriers for athletes.

How to Get Involved

Lansing Strong welcomes new athletes throughout the year, with organized practices typically beginning in October.

"If you want to come now and jump in, we're open," Utterback said. "Anytime."

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More information can be found on Lansing Strong's Facebook page, where contact details and updates are posted.

For Smith, the impact is clear.

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"Very rewarding," he said, when asked about encouraging younger athletes.

And for Lansing Strong, success is measured not just in trophies, but in confidence, connection, and belonging.