Internships are not just a requirement for recreational therapy but also a vital experience that bridges the gap between academic knowledge and professional practice. Jackson Holder, a fall ’25 recreational therapy intern at Sportable, Virginia’s premier adaptive sports club, exemplifies this connection. Sportable provides sporting opportunities for over 400 athletes each year through its competitive and recreational adaptive sports programs. By hosting events like the Virginia Adaptive Sports Festival, Sportable, creates an inclusive environment where participants and professionals can thrive. During this event, we observed and interviewed Jackson as he worked, gaining insights into his experience and growth.
We asked Jackson, “In what ways do you think this internship is preparing you for the future?” He shared, “It is preparing me by giving me real-life experience in the industry and teaching me how to manage my time effectively to become the best recreational therapist that I can be.” Jackson strives to excel in his field, and he credits Sportable with helping him reach his potential. Through hands-on involvement and guidance, he is developing the skills necessary for success in recreational therapy.
We also had the opportunity to speak with Tyler Rowe, Jackson’s internship supervisor and the acting program director at Sportable. Tyler is a certified and licensed recreational therapist whose passion for adaptive sports stems from his own internship experience. When asked how he became involved with Sportable, Tyler explained, “I ultimately didn’t want to do anything in a clinical setting when coming out of college. I had an internship in Utah in outdoor recreation where they used adaptive sports, and I became very passionate about it. When I moved to Richmond, I found out about Sportable.” In discussing Sportable’s internship program, Tyler highlighted what he values in potential interns. “Some of the biggest things are having good personal skills, being versatile, flexible, and being able to adapt to different situations,” he said. These qualities align with the dynamic nature of adaptive sports, where each day presents unique challenges and opportunities.
The impact of Jackson’s work, under Tyler’s mentorship, is evident in the stories of the participants. Traquan Dunn, who suffered a spinal cord injury at 16, spoke about how events like wheelchair basketball have transformed his life. “These events help me get out of my apartment and be social. They also help me stay in shape and get activity in,” he said. His experience is one of many that demonstrates the positive influence of Sportable’s programs. Another participant, Macavio Morin, discovered wheelchair basketball through his physical therapist, who recognized his desire for competition. Macavio shared, “I get to be fast in my wheelchair, and I have such a love for basketball. The best thing about it is bonding with my teammates and traveling with them.”
Sportable’s adaptive sports programs have impacted the lives of people across Virginia. For Jackson, this internship has not only solidified his passion for recreational therapy but also equipped him with the skills to create similar opportunities for others. Sportable’s internship program is preparing him for a great career in the field.