By Kelsey Durham
For the athletes in the Wheelchair Sports Federation, there is not much their physical limitations can stop them from doing.
Flushing played host to the 14th annual Wheelchair Softball Tournament last week as dozens of participants spent Thursday and Friday competing in a makeshift field in the parking lot of Citi Field. The double elimination, bracket-style tournament allowed the four teams who played this year to compete in seven-inning games for the title of champion.
The New York Mets have sponsored the event since it started more than a decade ago, and three other Major League Baseball organizations — the Chicago Cubs, the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees — sponsored teams in this year’s tournament as well. The players ranged in age and skill level, and the only requirement to participate in the tournament was that players be confined to a wheelchair.
“The enjoyment comes from seeing everyone having a good time knowing this is not a normal opportunity,” said John Hamre, president of the Wheelchair Sports Federation. “It’s a good opportunity for peer-to-peer interaction, which is one of the greatest things about this.”
Hamre said the tournament follows the rules of softball as closely as possible, only making a few changes in order to adapt to the use of wheelchairs. He said many of the athletes love playing so much that they also take advantage of other wheelchair sports, including basketball, tennis, sled hockey and football.
“It’s a lot more difficult than people think and very competitive,” Hamre said. “You see the competition of this when you watch. These guys argue every call.”
David Deas, a Howard Beach resident who has been playing in the wheelchair tournament at Citi Field since it began 14 years ago, said he has come back every year because of the friendships he has made with people experiencing the same things he is.
“You get to see a lot of good friends here and the team itself is like a brotherhood,” Deas said. “We talk and share stories, a lot of us have been playing together for a long time.”
Deas also said he likes the competitive nature of the game and said it gives him an opportunity to continue honoring his love for athletics while in a wheelchair.
“Wheelchair sports in general are really exciting for a lot of athletes,” he said. “To be able to play with these guys is great. It’s not always about winning, it’s about having a good time.”
Hamre said although the turnout was lower this year than in years past, he was pleased with last week’s event, and many of the athletes are already looking forward to getting back out on the field.
“After a while, you lose sight of the chairs and you see the good hits and the plays they make,” Hamre said. “It doesn’t have to do with a disability anymore.”
Reach reporter Kelsey Durham at 718-260-4573 or by e-mail at kdurham@cnglocal.com.
