Football On Wheels

Football is one of America’s favorite sports. Every Sunday I suit up in my orange and black Cincinnati’s Bengals attire to root my favorite team on to victory.

Lots of people are passionate about sports, including those with a disability. The desire to enjoy or play sports doesn’t go away. Today, many sports have been adapted so people with disabilities can play – even if he or she uses a wheelchair. I have seen wheelchair baseball and basketball, but I had never heard about a national wheelchair football league until now. Move United, the USA Wheelchair Football League is in full swing, and the games are physical and exciting!

Move United features 14 teams representing cities from Kansas City to Los Angeles. Games are played all around the US which allows many to take part in the excitement. The athletes’ disabilities range from being paraplegic (meaning a person affected by paralysis of the legs and lower body) to cerebral palsy. What’s so great about the league is that no matter the disability, athletes can get out onto the field and play.

Many Move United athletes are also veterans. Veterans wounded during their service are super tough. This league gives them the opportunity to continue to play the sport they love and while offering community and a positive emotional outlet to support their mental health.

Another thing I love about a professional league like Move United is, it offers a great teaching opportunity for those who assume that people who have disabilities cannot participate in or play sports. Especially individuals who require the use of a wheelchair. The truth is, with a little creativity and determination, playing a sport while using a wheelchair (like many other things) is totally possible.  The USA Wheelchair Football League is just another great initiative to show the world people with disabilities can do anything.

It’s my hope that one day this football league will be televised. I love watching good football!