ST. PAUL — After a tough 5-1 loss, Jordan Anderson was sweaty, short of breath and sorry he hadn’t played stronger defense during the floor hockey game at Humboldt High. He resolved to improve next time.

“I can get the puck out of my team’s end better,” he said.

The junior with epilepsy and a developmental disability spends a lot time in the gym. He plays soccer in the fall, floor hockey in the winter and softball and bowling in the spring.

As the federal government pushes schools to include more students like Anderson in sports, Minnesota offers a map for how to do it and a look at the challenges that come along the way.

 

What started 40 years ago as a game of wheelchair floor hockey among friends has grown into a thriving statewide league that offers four sports. Disabled students can earn letters and win state championships.