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The Grand Rapids Mary Free Bed wheelchair athletes, known as the Pacers, are preparing to compete in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association championship on April 12th. The Pacers have been practicing since September, with some players also participating on the Paralympic level. The last time the Pacers won first place was in 1987, and the team is eager to bring home a victory this year.
The Mary Free Bed Pacers Set Sights on National Wheelchair Basketball Championship
The Grand Rapids Mary Free Bed Pacers wheelchair athletes are gearing up for the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) championship on April 12th. In preparation, they wrapped up their final practice session on Tuesday evening.
One of the Pacers, Chris Kommer, emphasised the high-stakes nature of the competition. “It’s win or go home essentially, so hopefully we can keep the w’s going. And it’s three wins and on to the championship game,” he said.
Competing at the Highest Level
The NWBA championship is the pinnacle of wheelchair basketball in the United States. The Pacers have been honing their skills since September, practising both as a team and individually. “Once or twice a week depending on if we have a tournament. Weekends maybe we’ll try to get together,” said Kommer.
As the largest series of adapted sporting events in the US, the NWBA has given the Pacers unique opportunities, not only to travel and compete but also to meet and learn from other athletes with varying types of disabilities.
Aiming for Victory
It’s been a long time since the Pacers clinched the championship – the last time was in 1987. This year, they’re hoping to break that drought and bring the trophy home. Pacer coach Lee Montgomery said, “I think the guys get most out of it is the opportunity to travel a little bit, to meet other people with different types of disabilities, and to merge together as one unit.”
The Pacers will depart for Virginia on Thursday, with the championship games available for viewing online at wnba.org.
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