Events

This is a monthly meeting for Stroke patients and their caregivers. The meeting is facilitated by a Recreation Therapist. Meetings take place mainly at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, but may also occur at another location. Details of each month's meetings are available when registering to attend.

For those who wish to experience the thrill and exhilaration of flying across the surface of a lake this adaptive clinic teaches sitting and standing skiing. It's offered in partnership with Kentwood Parks and Recreation.

In partnership with Indian Trails Camp/IKUS Life Enrichment Services, Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports is excited to bring back our adaptive zip lining clinic. Come out and experience unknown heights through the excitement of ziplining. Join us and experience the thrill of this exhilarating clinic. With highly trained staff, be propelled by gravity traveling from the top to the bottom of an inclined cable by attaching to freely moving pulley. There is also a rock wall for those that want a bigger challenge! Participants must be 7 or older by the date of the clinic.
Please bring bug spray. If there is inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for a later date. 

Experience the freedom and tranquility that comes from gliding across the water's surface in a kayak or canoe. Participants receive an individual assessment to determine if adaptive equipment is necessary to enjoy these sports. The program is offered in partnership with Kentwood Parks and Recreation.

Join us for a dynamic three-practice series designed specifically for adaptive track and field athletes of all skill levels! This series will focus on both racing and throwing events, offering participants the opportunity to explore and develop skills in areas such as wheelchair racing, running, shot put, discus, and more.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Join us for a fun and inclusive 7-week dance class designed specifically for youth with disabilities! Led by a qualified physical therapist, these classes promote movement, confidence, and community. All youth are welcome—come dance, connect, and enjoy the rhythm together!

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.

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.

The Mary Free Bed Overdrive Power Soccer team will be in its fifth season playing as part of the United States Power Soccer Association. Power soccer is a sport designed for individuals age 12 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. 

2026 Thunderfest-Grand Rapids Thunder Home Tournament-6 Team DII - DIII tournament

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 4-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.

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.

Adult DI, DII and Adult DIII Wheelchair Basketball Teams

Registration Open 8/1/26 - 9/1/26
Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Lee Montgomery Athlete Assistance Fund (LMAAF) is available to our Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports community.

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.

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.

Participants will learn the basics of pickleball and play as much as possible. Wheelchair pickleball is played by anyone with a physical disability that uses a wheelchair. All levels are welcome to attend! 

This team is for adults with physical disabilities who wish to play standing up rather than playing from a sports wheelchair. Individuals who play para standing tennis have decreased mobility due to amputations, cerebral palsy, hemiplegia, limb difference, dwarfism or other congenital conditions. No prior knowledge or experience playing tennis is needed to participate. Practices and matches are on a standard tennis court – no special equipment or modifications to the court are necessary. This inclusive program provides practice and playing opportunities for adults of any skill level. Practices are throughout the season and team participation includes travel to tournaments throughout the United States. Players must be 16 years or older to participate. Email thomas.flynn@maryfreebed.com with any questions.

The Mary Free Bed Adult Wheelchair Tennis team is for adults with physical disabilities with a desire to play tennis. This is for anyone that wants to play recreationally or competitively. Learn the game, work on your skills and mobility, and get direction from our experienced wheelchair tennis head coach. All levels are welcome!

The Mary Free Bed Junior Wheelchair Tennis team is for children with physical disabilities with a desire to play tennis. This is for anyone that wants to play at any level ranging from beginner to advanced. Players will work on skills, learn mobility, and hit thousands of tennis balls. Players must be between 7-18 years of age to join! This summer players will practice two times per week. (No practice week of July 4th and week of July 25 for sports camp).

Get out and shred the trails at Luton Park with the Fat Explorer III, a member of the Mary Free Bed handcycle fleet. This off-road handcycle allows users to tackle single-track terrain and with power-assist capabilities, this cycle can handle anything that comes its way. This series is offered to those with physical disabilities who can independently operate a handcycle. One of our program coordinators will conduct pre-series phone screenings to determine appropriateness.

This will be the Frenzy's fifth season as a team. Wheelchair lacrosse is a great opportunity to join a team of individuals that enjoy a physically tough and fast paced game.

Wheelchair Lacrosse is played on a roller hockey rink or box lacrosse pad. It is 8 players per side; 2 players must remain in the offensive half and 3 in the defensive half at all times. Wheelchair lacrosse is played using a no-bounce ball and basketball sport chairs. Wheelchair lacrosse also provides an opportunity for those with physical disabilities and able-bodied athletes to play on the same team. Wheelchair lacrosse is a popular choice for sled hockey and wheelchair basketball athletes.

Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports is excited to offer 1-on-1 tandem cycling sessions. A pilot/captain will be provided to steer, assist with pedaling, and provide guidance to participants on how to ride a tandem bicycle. This program will allow participants to keep healthy, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors! This is open to those with visual impairments who can pedal with their feet. Family members can bring their own bike to ride behind the tandem bike. Please bring your own helmet, otherwise, one will be provided. Must be 13 or older to sign up.

The Grand Rapids Thunder Low Point Team is for wheelchair rugby players who are classified as a 1.5 and below. We will travel to tournaments one time per month with Nationals in September.

This adult wheelchair softball team is for individuals with physical disabilities who are interested in being a part of a fun sport! We have one home tournament and travel out of state for weekend tournaments throughout the summer.

The Mary Free Bed Handcycling Team is a great group of individuals, with physical disabilities, who are dedicated to riding. The team gets together weekly to ride at Millennium Park. Enjoy camaraderie and peer support while training for races, or just going for a ride. Race options available locally and out-of-state.