The Mesa Association of Sports for the Disabled (MASD) is an all-volunteer, not for profit organization dedicated to providing sports and recreation opportunities to individuals with all types of disability. This could include but not be limited to mental retardation, orthopedic impairment, sensory deficit and/or neurological involvement.

The Association provides year round sports training and competition through our Special Olympics programs for athletes who are mentally disabled. In addition, sports and recreation opportunities are provided for individuals with physical disabilities through our programs sanctioned by Wheelchair Sports, USA; National Disability Sports Alliance; Disabled Sports, USA; and the United States Association of Blind Athletes.

The Association coordinates various resources in a cooperative effort with the Mesa Unified School District and the City of Mesa Parks, Recreation and Cultural Division to provide a comprehensive program of sports and recreation to individuals with disabilities of all ages.

Because of the unique nature of the programs offered by the Mesa Association of Sports for the Disabled, participation is not limited to residents of Mesa, Arizona. Participants in MASD programs have resided throughout the metropolitan Phoenix area and the state of Arizona.

Approximately 500 local athletes participate in seasonal training sessions and competitions and an additional 350 athletes from throughout the country compete in various Associations sponsored events. These events include the Desert Challenge Games, the largest annual athletic competition for physically disabled athletes held in the southwestern United States and the MASD Power Soccer Tournament, a competition held for athletes who use power wheelchairs to play soccer. In addition, recreational opportunities such as SkiAble and Skiin' Blind and informational workshops are held annually.

The Mesa Association of Sports for the Disabled is incorporated as a nonprofit organization through the Arizona Corporation Commission, recognized as a 501-(c)-(03) corporation by the Internal Revenue Service. The Association is a chapter of Arizona Special Olympics; Wheelchair Sports, USA; National Disability Sports Alliance; United States Association of Blind Athletes; and Disabled Sports, USA.

The Mesa Association of Sports for the Disabled is governed by a volunteer board of directors.

Recognizing the importance of recreational, leisure and competitive opportunities that contribute to the quality of life, the primary mission of the Mesa Association of Sports for the Disabled is to provide a variety of programs and activities to individuals with disabilities. Toward this end, the Association will work to educate, inform and include the community in a comprehensive effort to provide year round activities. Through participation, the athlete will realize individual accomplishment, self-esteem, respect for themselves and others.

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