Our Mission
The mission of Far West Wheelchair Athletic Association (FWWAA) is to develop, promote, and organize community based sport and recreation programs for individuals of all ages with various physical disabilities.
Our Purpose
Since 1968 FWWAA has supported a philosophy that focuses on the ability, not the disability of an individual. We provide the tools necessary to help our athletes develop independence as well as a positive self-image. FWWAA fosters these ideals through physical activity by offering the same movement opportunities as their able-bodied peers across the lifespan. Through our programs, athletes have an opportunity to increase their social, psychological and physical well-being. These programs include individual and team opportunities, camps, clinics, and competition at the regional and national level. FWWAA programs cater to a wide array of individuals with physical disabilities. These physical disabilities include but are not limited to cerebral palsy, spina bifida, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, amputation, visual impairments, muscular dystrophy, and other neuromuscular impairments. FWWAA strives to increase community awareness of programs and opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities by working with local businesses, schools, government and other public sectors to increase community engagement.
About the Organization
FWWAA is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which develops, promotes, and organizes wheelchair sports and programs for individuals with physical disabilities. It is a sanctioned Regional Sport Organization of Wheelchair and Ambulatory Sports, USA (WASUSA) and includes California, Arizona, and Nevada. FWWAA was incorporated in 1968, and operates under the guidance of an Executive Board of Directors. FWWAA is recognized by the U.S. Paralympic Committee as Paralympic Sport Club Silicon Valley, and has additional support from the City of San José, Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services.
Over the past five decades, FWWAA has provided thousands of sport opportunities for persons with disabilities. These opportunities include: Recreational sport programs, competitive teams for children and adults in track and field, aquatics, archery, basketball, rugby, tennis and powersoccer. FWWAA has served as host for regional and national competitions including the National Junior Disability Championships, National Wheelchair Basketball Association Final Four, and Paralympic Track and Field Qualifier. Since 1983 FWWAA has run the annual Northern California Junior Sports Camp, a residential, multi-sport camp for 5-21 year-olds who have physical disabilities.
FWWAA was honored to act as host non-profit for the inaugural Valor Games Far West 2013. Through a large amount of community and volunteer support, FWWAA and its affiliates successfully hosted the sport competition for our disabled Veterans and active-duty service members. Due to the positive impact that this event has, FWWAA’s Executive Board is committed to offer this event for years to come.
