Fabian Romo of Team USA was present to support them. He stated that he hoped his gold medal from the Paralympic Games in Paris would serve as motivation for young people, demonstrating that a wheelchair need not be a hindrance to one’s aspirations.
-
-
The Dallas Junior Wheelchair Mavericks hosted a wheelchair basketball tournament in Arlington over the weekend with 20 teams from around the country.
-
They were cheered on by Fabian Romo, a Team USA gold medalist from the Paris Paralympic Games.
-
Coaches, players, and fans all say they’ve been inspired by the sport.
-
-
The Dallas Junior Wheelchair Mavericks hosted a wheelchair basketball tournament in Arlington over the weekend with 20 teams from around the country.
-
They were cheered on by Fabian Romo, a Team USA gold medalist from the Paris Paralympic Games.
-
Coaches, players, and fans all say they’ve been inspired by the sport.
Texas’ ArlingtonHundreds of children from throughout the nation demonstrated that obstacles need not stand in your way.
What Happened: Scottish Rite and the Dallas Junior Wheelchair Mavericks organized a wheelchair basketball competition for the children.
On Saturday, twenty teams from throughout the nation competed at the Maverick Activity Center at UT Arlington.
Fabian Romo of Team USA was present to support them. He stated that he hoped his gold medal from the Paralympic Games in Paris would serve as motivation for young people, demonstrating that a wheelchair need not be a hindrance to one’s aspirations.
Romo’s leg was amputated above the knee when he was three years old since he was born without a femur.
“Never knew about adaptive sports or anything,” he replied.
However, he discovered wheelchair basketball when he was fifteen years old.
“I think it completely shaped the person that I am today,” he stated.
And that’s what the children who participated in the event on Saturday are experiencing.
What They’re Saying: Spina bifida was present from birth in Solomon Paresky. About three years ago, the eleven-year-old began playing wheelchair basketball.
He remarked, “It was super fun,” It was somewhat of a novel experience. At first, I was anxious, but as I played more games, I found it to be somewhat simpler.
He now participates in wheelchair tennis as well.
“You get to run about in both sports, which makes it enjoyable. And it’s just more enjoyable than simply cruising around in your wheelchair without doing anything constructive,” he added.
Paresky’s Richardson classmates came to support him.
Fifth-grader Gabe Blessman stated, “You can still play the sports you want to play, whether you have a disability or not.”
Another fifth-grader, McShayne Brown, stated, “They chose to persevere and somehow dribble while they’re in a wheelchair.” “These people, what they are doing is harder than just dribbling while standing up.”
Highlighted
Spectrum Treats: Fort Worth twins with autism open snow cone business
In Tarrant County, a mother is determined to support her twin boys’ success. She refuses to allow autism to hinder them. The teenagers are now managing their own company.
Pam Fontaine, Paresky’s coach, won a bronze medal at the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta.
“If you know that you are capable of performing specific abilities and you have the confidence to do so, that will translate when they are in school. They may then participate in a different way, exactly like they do, and they feel at ease around children who are able-bodied,” she said.
The Coach’s Backstory: At the age of 16, a car accident left Fontaine in a wheelchair, but she wasted no time in embracing the sport.
“I attended to my first wheelchair basketball practice in December after leaving rehab in November. She remarked, “I didn’t have time to look back.” “They were mostly Vietnam veterans, and I was unable to reach the rim because I had just left the hospital, you know. I therefore had a lot to learn.
However, Fontaine developed her abilities and strength during her time in college.
She eventually performed well enough to be selected for the Paralympic squad.
Fontaine claimed that she became stronger while playing wheelchair basketball.
“I learned a lot of life lessons from it. Additionally, I thought, “Well, if they can do it, why can’t I?” after seeing others with disabilities comparable to mine. “I said,” she said.
Learn More: Children aged 5 to 18 can participate in wheelchair basketball with the Dallas Junior Wheelchair Mavericks, a nonprofit organization.
Go to https://www.dallasjuniorwheelchairmavericks.org to find out more or to participate.
-
For this article, Lori Brown of FOX 4 conducted interviews with attendees at Saturday’s basketball tournament in Arlington.
For this article, Lori Brown of FOX 4 conducted interviews with attendees at Saturday’s basketball tournament in Arlington.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
