The 18th Biennial Conference of the North American Federation of Adapted Physical Activity (NAFAPA) was held from July 28-31, 2026, at the University of Hawai\u02bbi at M\u0101noa in Honolulu, Hawai\u02bbi. The conference welcomed researchers, practitioners, teacher educators, students, and community partners from North America and around the world to share knowledge, strengthen collaborations, and advance the field of adapted physical activity. Guided by the conference theme,\u00a0\u201cE Ola Koa K\u0101kou i Kekahi i Kekahi\u201d<\/b>\u00a0(“let us all thrive by supporting one another”), the event emphasized the importance of collective growth, inclusion, and community.<\/p>\n
The conference featured keynote presentations, research papers, posters, building sessions, and student scholarship, providing opportunities for attendees to engage with emerging research and innovative practices in adapted physical activity. Presentations addressed a wide range of topics, including inclusive physical education, disability sport, physical activity participation, teacher education, health promotion, and community-based programming. The meeting also served as a forum for mentoring emerging scholars, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, and developing new collaborative initiatives.<\/p>\n
Reflecting the host location, NAFAPA 2026 incorporated cultural experiences that highlighted the traditions, values, and natural environment of Hawai\u02bbi. Attendees participated in activities designed to promote connection and learning beyond the conference sessions, reinforcing the conference theme through shared experiences and relationship-building. The combination of scholarly exchange and cultural engagement created a welcoming environment that celebrated both professional and personal growth.<\/p>\n
NAFAPA 2026 reinforced the federation’s commitment to advancing adapted physical activity through research, education, advocacy, and collaboration. The conference demonstrated the strength of the international adapted physical activity community and the value of working together to promote meaningful participation, inclusion, health, and well-being for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"