Events

Adult DI, DII and Adult DIII Wheelchair Basketball Teams

In partnership with Kentwood Parks and Recreation, hosted by West Michigan Archery Center, Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports is excited to host seasonal Archery Clinics! Whether you’ve never picked up a bow, or are a seasoned enthusiast, come join us to learn more about this amazing sport. Participants will shoot either, a recurve bow or a crossbow based on ability.

The Future Sled Wings Program will hold 3 6 week sessions for athletes interested in trying sled hockey. Ideally these practices will be for younger players ages 5 - 8 who want to play on the Sled Wings when they get older. This will be a great way to introduce the kids to the sport without the intimidation of older players being on the ice. We will require USA Hockey memberships for any of the futures who want to play in games (with the “novice” group). Participants can sign up for one session or all sessions.

The Women's Sled Hockey team offers a sport ideal for individuals with lower-limb affected disabilities. This program is for women interested in both recreational and competitive athletics.

Adaptive swim lessons are offered for children with physical and cognitive disabilities. These are group lessons (max of 2 participants) and they include instruction from a certified water safety instructor. Participants learn swimming and safety in a positive and fun environment. A volunteer will be available to assist the instructor and participant.

In partnership with the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports program is thrilled to revive the sport of goalball. Goalball is a team sport designed specifically for athletes who are blind or visually impaired. Goalball is a unique and inclusive sport that relies on the sense of touch and hearing, allowing individuals with visual impairments to participate in a team-based athletic activity.

Private adaptive swim lessons are offered for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities. These private lessons include instruction from a certified water safety instructor. Participants learn swimming and safety in a positive and fun environment in order to meet their goals.

Cost: $150 per session due at time of registration.

*Registration is limited on a first come, first serve basis.

Experience unknown heights through the excitement of rock climbing in this 4-week class. All levels are welcome to participate in this exhilarating sport. Variations of rope and rock climbing instruction will be offered by certified belayers. Higher Grounds offers different levels of climbing, including entry-level walls and very challenging obstacles. Obstacles will be used based on participant's level of climbing. Climbing shoes will be provided, as well as instruction.

This is an opportunity for those not yet old enough to join a team. Skill Building, team-work and game play are incorporated into this 6-week class for kids ages 3-7 years old. Instruction will cover tennis, basketball, softball, and other fun activities. Participants must be able to use their upper extremities to independently push a sports chair and follow direction. Many of our athletes can walk, but, their abilities are limited when they compete against athletes without disabilities. A limited number of sports chairs are available upon request.

In partnership with Adaptive Ski Association of West Michigan (previous Cannonsburg Challenge Ski Association) and Kentwood Parks and Recreation, the Adaptive Downhill Ski Clinic is held at Cannonsburg Ski resort north of Grand Rapids, the adaptive downhill ski offers an opportunity unique to West Michigan. Disability types include (but are not limited to) amputation, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Autism, Muscular Dystrophy, Hydrocephalus and more. For two hours, participants are able to experience the independence and excitement of downhill skiing. Over 60% of participants are under the age of 13 and for most, this is their first experience with downhill ski. The downhill ski clinic is one of the few recreational opportunities for physically disabled participants in the winter months. Regardless of ability level, participants are challenged to push their limitations and feel the thrill of downhill skiiing.

Experience being grounded at the center of inner peace through the guidance of certified instructor with adaptive yoga practice. This 6-week class is offered for those with cognitive and physical deficits. Yoga improves strength, balance, mobility, and flexibility. The class will be taught by a certified yoga instructor, RYT 200. Volunteers will be assisting participants throughout the class. Yoga mats will be available for participants.

The Future Sled Wings Program will hold 3 6 week sessions for athletes interested in trying sled hockey. Ideally these practices will be for younger players ages 5 - 8 who want to play on the Sled Wings when they get older. This will be a great way to introduce the kids to the sport without the intimidation of older players being on the ice. We will require USA Hockey memberships for any of the futures who want to play in games (with the “novice” group). Participants can sign up for one session or all sessions.

Adaptive swim lessons are offered for children with physical and cognitive disabilities. These are group lessons (max of 2 participants) and they include instruction from a certified water safety instructor. Participants learn swimming and safety in a positive and fun environment. A volunteer will be available to assist the instructor and participant.

Private adaptive swim lessons are offered for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities. These private lessons include instruction from a certified water safety instructor. Participants learn swimming and safety in a positive and fun environment in order to meet their goals.

Cost: $150 per session due at time of registration.

*Registration is limited on a first come, first serve basis.

Experience being grounded at the center of inner peace through the guidance of certified instructor with adaptive yoga practice. This 6-week class is offered for those with cognitive and physical deficits. Yoga improves strength, balance, mobility, and flexibility. The class will be taught by a certified yoga instructor, RYT 200. Volunteers will be assisting participants throughout the class. Yoga mats will be available for participants.

The Mary Free Bed Overdrive Power Soccer team will be in its fourth season playing as part of the United States Power Soccer Association. Power soccer is a sport designed for individuals age 7 and older that use a power chair. Players will learn the fundamentals of power soccer during these weekly practices. Whether you're new to power soccer, or are a seasoned enthusiast, join us to learn more about this amazing sport. Select players will be able to travel to compete in matches. Come out and join us! Participants are limited to those who have their own power soccer chairs. A limited amount of power soccer chairs and power soccer guards are available for participants to use upon request. Foot guards can be added and removed to power soccer chairs. 

Sled hockey provides opportunity for athletes with many types of disabilities to compete in local areas for recreation and competition all the way to the National Sled Hockey Team that plays at the Paralympic level. Sled Hockey is rapidly growing in the US and players are "hooked" once they touch the ice for the first time. This team is intended for those who thrive on competitive and physical play.

Sled hockey provides opportunity for athletes with many types of disabilities to compete in local areas for recreation and competition all the way to the National Sled Hockey Team that plays at the Paralympic level. Sled Hockey is rapidly growing in the US and players are "hooked" once they touch the ice for the first time. This team is intended for those who thrive on competitive and physical play.

The Junior Pacers have a prep team and a varsity team, based on age and ability. Athletes get the opportunity to participate on a team, stay connected with basketball and remain active with other children their age. This program is for both recreational and competitive athletes with physical disabilities who can operate a manual wheelchair independently.

The Grand Rapids Thunder is a wheelchair rugby team for people who have a physical disability that affects all four limbs (paralyses or limb differences). Heavy-duty sports chairs are used in this high-intensity, chair-to-chair contact sport. The game is as physical and extreme as conventionally played rugby.

The Mary Free Bed Women's Wheelchair Basketball Team is back! This team is for girls/women 14-17 rostered on the Mary Free Bed Jr Pacers Varsity Team and women 18 and up.

The Mary Free Bed Pacers DIII is an entry level DIII team registered with the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. This team is a great starting point if you are new to the sport of wheelchair basketball.

The Mary Free Bed Pacers are a competitive wheelchair basketball team for high-level players ready to participate on a National Wheelchair Basketball Division I team.