Events

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Rehabilitation Hospital’s West Michigan Rollin Whitecaps invite you to attend the Mary Free Bed Wheelchair Softball Tournament at our home field at the Mary Free Bed YMCA.

Please contact
Christy VanHaver with any questions at 616-437-9583 or christy.vanhaver@maryfreebed.com.

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

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).

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.

This is an opportunity for children and adults with cognitive disabilities to develop their tennis skills, sportsmanship, and interpersonal skills! The coach and volunteers will work with each individual. Participants must be at least 7 years and older to participate.

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.

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! 

Sponsored by the The Pines Golf Course, and in partnership with Ambucs, Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports is excited to offer an adaptive golf clinic. This free clinic is open to anyone 11 years and older living with varying disabilities who want to learn more about the game of golf and adaptive equipment used in golf. Please bring your golf clubs if you have them. If you do not own golf clubs, clubs will be provided. Participants will be able to drive and put by playing fun games, and even play a couple of holes. Lunch will be provided after the event.

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.

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.

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.

As an able bodied tennis player, join in by being pared with a wheelchair or para standing player from around the country to form a doubles team. This event will kick off our anual Midwest Wheelchair Tennis Championships!  The registration is free to register and includes a player reception, food, prizes, and great tennis! 

*In case of rain, we will be using the indoor courts*

Thank you for joining us for the 2025 Midwest Wheelchair Tennis Championships. We have hosted this event for more than 30 years in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We strive to provide an exciting tournament with fun social activities that our guests will anticipate returning to each year. Our generous sponsors, volunteers, and a beautiful hosting site make this possible. We look forward to seeing old friends, making new ones, and watching some great tennis! A special welcome to our first-time participants and returning players.

Join us for the Frenzy Fest, the Mary Free Bed Frenzy's wheelchair lacrosse tournament for adult teams. Every player registered will receive a tournament shirt. We will again host a youth game, plus the addition of a women's only game!
Please register by June 14

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Join Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports & Kentwood Parks and Recreation for an exhilarating Adaptive Waterski Clinic! Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a first-time skier, our clinic offers a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of waterskiing in a supportive and adaptive environment. Registration is through Kentwood Parks and Recreation  - https://apps.daysmartrecreation.com/dash/x/#/online/kentwood/activity-finder/programs/3/levels/507?sport_ids=62&

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.

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.

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.

2025 Low Point Thunderfest - Grand Rapids Low Point Thunder Home Tournament.

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.

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.

Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports is excited to bring you a six-week adaptive Functional Fitness class. This class will be a fast-paced circuit workout consisting of aerobic exercises, strength exercises, and interval training. Led by a certified personal trainer (NASM certified), exercises will be modified and adapted for each participant whether sitting or standing. Adaptive equipment will be available for participants. Volunteers will be available to assist participants. Participants must be at least 16 years or older.

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 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 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.

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.

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.