Power Soccer in Chico: Wheelchairs and Hope

Imagine being confined to a wheelchair. You are different from others and often feel isolated. Sports, a big part of our lives, are only an empty dream for many of those confined to wheelchairs. You can't be on a sports team. You can't compete. So, others live life and you only watch.  

There is hope though. Power soccer is the first competitive team sport designed and developed specifically for power wheelchair users. Athletes' disabilities include quadriplegia, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, amputations, stroke and others. People with little control of their legs or bodies can now be part of a competitive team sport. This builds back self-confidence and enriches their lives both on and off the court.  

The game is played in a gymnasium on a regulation basketball court. Two teams of four players attack, defend, and spin-kick a 13-inch soccer ball in a skilled and challenging game similar to able-bodied soccer.

My dwarfism confined me to life on my wheelchair, lying on my stomach, to go headfirst through life. My brothers all played sports and got recognized and cheered. I could only watch. Until at age 25, I discovered power soccer through YouTube. Seven years later, I have competed on a national stage with hundreds of other disabled athletes. And, it is awesome! In trying to start a North Valley team, headquartered in Chico, my goal is to bring new life and hope to others.  

We have two young adults here in Chico who would like to break out of their limits and race down courts and into teammates embraces. You can help their dreams come true by removing the first obstacle in front of them, getting their very own soccer wheelchair, the Strike Force. Each new chair starts at about $10,000. But, we have found one used chair that can bring happiness to one player. Our goal is to get two new chairs, along with the old one, soccer balls, and goals posts. Would you consider helping?