DAAA encourages all people with dwarfism to participate in sports. Any and every level of skill and ability is welcomed and supported.

Everyone of every stature and ability is welcomed to assist DAAA as a volunteer during amateur athletic competitions – both at the sporting venues and in the on-site offices.

Competitors of every body type, ability and age are encouraged to register and participate in DAAA sporting events. Registration to participate as an athlete is open to everyone of every ability who has a form of dwarfism. There is no DAAA membership requirement.

Athletes competing in individual events will place and medal according to their age, gender, body type and functional ability. For example, a track race could have competitors of different divisions and classes running in the same race but not necessarily competing against each other. The scores and medals will be awarded according to athlete class and division, not racing group.

For team events, athletes of various classifications compete on the same team according to age group. Teams may be composed of females and males having a range of body types and skill sets.

Parents are most important to the athleticism, physical health and emotional well-being of our children with dwarfism. Please continue to encourage your children to participate in sports, to do their best, to have fun trying to improve their current "personal best" achievements, and to keep trying. With your support and guidance you will certainly see your youngsters and teens become healthier, happier and more confident young adults.

Parents not only provide important support for individual athletes, but also invaluable support for all our competitors whenever taking part in DAAA events as spectators and volunteers.

DAAA encourages participation of athletes, family, friends and supporters as volunteers and spectators at athletic events. We appreciate any commitment that attendees can make to volunteer time while attending the National Games.

In support of our athletes, DAAA usually needs about 100 volunteers at the National Games to assist with the organization and operation of the events. Volunteers can help with any number of activities:

• At registration
  
  • helping with athlete check-in
    
  • helping with new registrations
    

• At the sporting venues
  
  • helping set-up at the sport venue
    
  • helping with event logisitics
    
  • helping the coaches and officials
    
  • helping the officials award medals
    
  • taking photographs of athletes before and during events
  • helping break-down the sport venue
    

• In the back-office
  
  • uploading photo images
    
  • printing-out and posting portraits each day
    
  • updating team competition schedules

DAAA appreciates and needs the participation of sports professionals and amateurs with experience guiding athletes and officiating events. To offer your help, please contact Maureen Mushett, DAAA Sports Technical Director.

Sporting goods businesses can help DAAA continue to provide quality athletic events for dwarf athletes by becoming a sponsor or contributor. If you would like to learn more about participation by contributing sporting goods or by sponsoring DAAA Games, please contact Mike Cekanor, DAAA Board Vice President, by e-mail or by phone at 262-524-9684.

At every National Games, DAAA holds a golf tournament that is open to everyone who is interested in participating. Golfers of short and average stature of every golfing level, from beginner to expert, are welcome to play. All proceeds generated from the golf tournament support DAAA.