LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — In just their second year as a team, the Pa Lions are proving to people of any ability that they can play sports.
Days are made when these kids are able to hit the courts.
“I am having so much fun,” said Lizzy Rudy of Ephrata.
“It’s just a lot of fun and I don’t have to sit home and do other stuff,” said Jack Link of Lancaster.
Wheelchair basketball is an escape for these student-athletes. Every player has a unique story, but their individual circumstances are left on the sidelines when they come together to focus on a shared goal: teamwork.
“I think it’s cool and exciting that they have such a sport," Rudy continued.
“I never did anything like this before. It’s really fun just watching everyone play and getting to know each other and being happy,” said Sara Echogoyen, a Manheim Central senior.
Wheelchair basketball has opened avenues for Echogoyen. She has hopes of playing in college.
Smiles extend from ear to ear while creating new friendships.
“The basketball here is just a bonus. They learn life skills, social skills and it just gives them the ability to compete,” said Keith McMinn, the Pa. Lions head coach.
But what goes into maneuvering up and down the court?
“I just try to get there really fast and get there so we can score,” explained Link.
“Well, my family says I play bumper cars, but I don’t think so,” chuckled Lamar Wayman of Dover, Delaware.
Wayman plays for Katie’s Komets. He travels out of state to find games and tournaments because Katie’s Komets is out of Philadelphia. Wayman is new to adaptive sports and is glad he can still play a sport he started when he was young.
“I’m used to standing up basketball and I still can shoot the ball, dribble and do handles so it’s not bad. I like it,” said Wayman.
Watching their children play hits a different note for the parents.
“My son (Lamar) actually got sick in 2017 and he’s been in a wheelchair ever since and it’s been amazing to just find people, as a community. He loves his team. He actually calls them his family. It’s amazing to see him just go and be free,” said Apryl Monroe of Dover, Delaware.
Even though it’s a game, the score doesn’t matter. It’s that sense of belonging that is the real win.
“We sometimes say, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose but you play the game,” said Rudy.
The kids say it’s a roaring good time. The Pa Lions are hoping more areas will start offering adaptive sports to build more teams to take on.