Yes, you can participate!
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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. Athletes
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. |
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Divisions
DAAA events accommodate four age divisions: Future, Junior, Open and Master. DAAA requires that during DAAA Games, each athlete must compete in only one division for all events entered.
6 yr. and under:
Future division sporting events are non-competitive. Every athlete receives encouragement for competing, playing fairly, and doing their best. Sports are limited to selected track, field, swimming, and soccer events (all sports will be non-medal, instructional events at which athletes receive participation ribbons).
7-15 yr:
Junior division events emphasize achieving personal best above winning. Individual performances are judged separately according to gender, age, and official classification. Due to the wide age range within the junior division and the resulting competitive concerns, athletes in the junior division compete in the following age classifications for these sports.
16-39 yr:
Open division athletes. Individual performances are judged according to the official rules and regulations for each sport. Some Junior aged athletes may compete in track & field and swimming in the Open division (as identified below).
40 yr. and above:
Master division athletes.
Athletes should use their age as of December 31 in the year of competition to determine which age classification they will participate in. For team sports, all team members are required to meet the age classification for the team as identified above.
6 yr. and under:
Future division sporting events are non-competitive. Every athlete receives encouragement for competing, playing fairly, and doing their best. Sports are limited to selected track, field, swimming, and soccer events (all sports will be non-medal, instructional events at which athletes receive participation ribbons).
7-15 yr:
Junior division events emphasize achieving personal best above winning. Individual performances are judged separately according to gender, age, and official classification. Due to the wide age range within the junior division and the resulting competitive concerns, athletes in the junior division compete in the following age classifications for these sports.
16-39 yr:
Open division athletes. Individual performances are judged according to the official rules and regulations for each sport. Some Junior aged athletes may compete in track & field and swimming in the Open division (as identified below).
40 yr. and above:
Master division athletes.
Athletes should use their age as of December 31 in the year of competition to determine which age classification they will participate in. For team sports, all team members are required to meet the age classification for the team as identified above.
Parents
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. Family & Friends, Volunteers and Spectators
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
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Coaches, Trainers and Referees DAAA appreciates and needs the participation of sports professionals and amateurs with experience guiding athletes and officiating events. To offer your help, please contact Mike Krajewski, DAAA Sports Technical Director.
Sports BusinessesSporting 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. For more information, contact Lucky Woika.
All Golfers
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.
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