Disabilities don't stop fitness and fun
The National Wheelchair Basketball Association Division III Champions Tucson Lobos closed out the adaptive recreation event held at the Tucson VA medical campus.
Army Veteran and rookie hooper Richard Weeks explained why he participated. “That camaraderie is one of the things that's been driving me the last six months,” he said. “Mentally it helped me to be active and part of an athletic community.”
The Lobos played in several tournament games in Phoenix, San Diego, Las Vegas and Idaho, on their championship run.
“When we go away on tournaments, that's when we really bond and connect. Even going to practice, twice a week, and talking to the other Vets gave me something to look forward to every week.”
Being apart of the team has been a huge part of his health care, since he started playing in September.
Weeks draw to basketball was because he grew up playing. “When I was able-bodied, I played in high school and while I was on active duty,” he said. “The para-sport thing didn't come about until after being stuck in a chair 24/7 and you want to try to find a way to get active, but now it's on my radar.”
Weeks who receives care at the Tucson VAMC, encourages others to participate and support.
“I'm trying to help get out the word that this stuff is here and available,” he said. “We have chairs available, so it's a good way to try stuff before you go purchase expensive medical equipment.”
The adaptive recreation event featured not only basketball, but pickle ball, volleyball and cycling, too.
VA’s Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events provides Veterans with opportunities for health and healing through adaptive sports and therapeutic art programs. Then, locally, Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports creates similar opportunities, through the promotion and provision of fitness, recreation, and competitive sports opportunities for people with disabilities.