Photo By Roger RyDell Daniels | Warrior Transition Battalion soldiers Spc. Carlos Hernadez races down court while...... read more read more
by Staff Sgt. Roger RyDell Daniels
Warrior Transition Battalion
FORT STEWART, Ga. - Their effort extended beyond Newman Fitness Center's basketball court, where they practice three times a week as part of the Adaptive Sports Program within the WTB. They recently traveled to Jacksonville to play a game against a wheelchair basketball team representing the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars.
The soldiers strolled one after another into the basketball court area inside of Newman Fitness Center, June 13, and soothingly took their seats, settling themselves for an exciting day of basketball. The sound of basketballs dribbling had already filled the gym.
As the group of Fort Stewart’s Warrior Transition Battalion soldiers took their seats, they weren’t there to watch others play basketball; instead, these soldiers were gearing up for a friendly game of wheelchair basketball practice.
Both WTB cadre and warriors were present. Warriors are participating in a Medical Evaluation Board to determine if they’ll transition out of the Army or back to active or reserve duty.
Their effort extended beyond Newman Fitness Center's basketball court, where they practice three times a week as part of the Adaptive Sports Program within the WTB. They recently traveled to Jacksonville to play a game against a wheelchair basketball team representing the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars.
Buddy Karolev, military site and sports coordinator for the WTB, said he was able to arrange the game with the Jaguars after contacting someone he knew inside of the Jaguar organization. He said one of their former players organized a wheelchair team after becoming paralyzed.
Karolev said competing in a game is an important part of the healing process and the goal of having a wheelchair team.
“To have a sense of competition, not just to come out to practice every day, to actually have a purpose,” Karolev said about the importance of the game they had in Jacksonville.
Karolev said more than nine players usually attend practice but only nine players participated in the game.
He said other adaptive sports within WTB include seated volleyball, competitive shooting, archery, cycling, swimming and track and field.
As for wheelchair basketball, Karolev said players are enjoying the experience. One player who agrees is Spc. Kevin Chase Meyer.
“This is all I do anymore; it’s the funniest sport I ever played. When I’m in that chair, I don’t feel disabled,” Meyer said, a Baton Rouge, La., native.
Meyer said he got into playing in August 2012. Since beginning, he was able to attend wheelchair basketball camps held at the University of Texas at Arlington. His goal is to compete in the Warrior Games next year.
“I couldn’t run anymore, so I needed something to do. I tried it, liked it and then I got really good at it. It makes my injuries worth it."
The WTB Warrior Lt. Col. Dwayne Reynolds said wheelchair basketball is a great way to release some of the stress of attending classes and physical appointments.
“We can get out here, yell, be competitive against one another and it’s just fun,” the Miami native said. ”Overall, it’s a great time to get out, exercise and get physically and mentally strong again.”
| Date Taken: | 06.20.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 06.20.2013 11:39 |
| Story ID: | 108946 |
| Location: | FORT STEWART, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 95 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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