MISSION
STATEMENT
HOW WE ROLL
Adaptive Sports for All strives to create opportunities for individuals of all abilities to flourish in an inclusive and supportive community that empowers them to become better versions of themselves.
We serve the Denver Metro area, Colorado’s Northern Front Range and beyond.
DREAM BIG •
ADAPT •
PLAY HARD •
LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST •
DREAM BIG • ADAPT • PLAY HARD • LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST •
GET TO KNOW
JACOB
FOUNDER & CEO
Jacob Heilveil was born on the South Korean island of Jeju. As an infant, he contracted polio and lost the use of his legs. That defining moment never really defined Jacob’s ability to live life on his own terms, though. After being adopted by a family in Hawaii, Jacob found mentorship in teachers and coaches who introduced him to and trained him in para athletics, including racing. He also found a support system of fellow wheelchair athletes. That community felt like freedom.
JACOB WAS HOOKED.
As his love for athletics grew, so did his taste for competition. Competing gave him a sense of independence, accountability and connection to others. Throughout the decades, Jacob has raced globally in 90 marathons and more than 100 races. He had the honor of competing as Paralympian three times: in the 1,500-meter wheelchair demonstration event at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics as well as during the 2000 and 2004 Paralympics in multiple events. In between the Paralympic Games, he raced in the Wheelchair Racing World Championships in 2002 and 2006.
LIMITATIONS ARE PERCEIVED AND MOVING IS A MINDSET.
That’s how he sees it. He is setting out to change how society thinks about people with disabilities — and how people with disabilities think about themselves. It’s not just about competition. It’s about improving health. Living longer lives. Increasing quality of life. Creating community. Giving hope.
And that’s why Jacob launched Adaptive Sports For All in 2023. Through this fledgling nonprofit, he’s putting “power” in empowerment. As he says, not everyone can be a competitive athlete — but everyone can play sports. And everyone can have dreams. With the help of his community and connections in the adaptive sports world, he’s making those dreams come true.
