Making Waves at the Dairyland Games

Something we're excited to bring to this platform are recaps of programs we're participating in and events we're attending.

Last weekend, Limb Difference Collective members proudly represented the limb difference community at the Dairyland Games, where adaptive athletes came together to showcase their strength, determination, and passion for competition. Among the incredible participants was swimmer, Mackenzie, who took to the water with Mom-Coach Kari of Great Lakes Adaptive Sport Association (GLASA) by her side, demonstrating what perseverance and skill look like in action.

A Celebration of Adaptive Sports

The Dairyland Games provided an incredible platform for athletes of all abilities to compete, connect, and inspire. With a lineup of events designed for adaptive competitors, the atmosphere was electric—filled with energy, encouragement, and a shared commitment to breaking barriers in sports.

For Mackenzie, this meet is all fun! She gets to hang out with friends we've made through our GLASA swim practices, and enjoy racing in the water. For many, this is not just about competition but also about representation and confidence. Every stroke in the water was a reminder that the water is even for all people. Limb differences do not define ability. With Kari’s coaching expertise and Mackenzie’s dedication, they navigated the pool with strength, determination, and pride, and a whole lot of dancing on the pool deck (sorry for anyone who had to hear her rendition of "Shut Up and Dance with Me" -- she's getting ready for Camp No Limits Energizers next month!).

Breaking Barriers, Building Community

Beyond the races, the Dairyland Games fostered a supportive community where athletes uplifted one another. It was more than just a competition—it was a space to celebrate victories, share experiences, and reinforce the importance of inclusive athletics.

Kari and Mackenzie’s participation further reinforced the mission of Limb Difference Collective: creating spaces where individuals with limb differences feel empowered, supported, and seen. Events like these remind us all that adaptive sports aren’t just about performance—they’re about visibility, opportunity, and celebrating athletes for their incredible talents. Along with GLASA, other teams that attended included Dairyland Sports, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Megladons - we've even had swimmers from their program join some of our workouts looking to add an extra workout to their week. Everyone cheered each other on!

Looking Ahead

The excitement from the Dairyland Games fuels our drive to continue advocating for more inclusive sporting opportunities. Whether it’s supporting adaptive athletes, hosting meetups, or sharing resources, the Limb Difference Collective is committed to ensuring that individuals with limb differences have every chance to thrive—both in and out of the water. The next area event is the Great Lakes Games hosted by GLASA and presented by The Hartford. We look forward to welcoming more athletes to the area in this paralympic-style event in Lake Forest, IL

Coach Kari and Mackenzie left the weekend feeling inspired, and we hope the experience motivates others to explore the world of adaptive sports. Because when we show up, compete, and support each other, we make waves that go far beyond the pool.

Check out the video of our event on our Instagram or YouTube

Credit A&J Mobility

Credit A&J Mobility

Credit M. Wieland

Kari Treat is a co-founder of Limb Difference Collective, a GLASA Swim Coach and Instructor since 2023, Swim Coach for Reach Aquatics since 2016, and holds her US Paraswimming Level 1 Coaches Certification. If you're interested in learning more about paraswimming please email Kari at kari@limbdifferencecollective.org