Ben's power soccer wheelchair

Ben is an 11-year-old with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic muscle-wasting condition. He uses a wheelchair to move through the school hallways and navigate long distances outside. When Ben was diagnosed at three years old, we figured organized sports would be something he would never be able to participate in.

Then about three years ago, we discovered Power Soccer through a local organization called Sportable that works to provide adaptive sports to athletes with disabilities. In power soccer, athletes who use a power wheelchair hit an oversized soccer ball with a guard attached to their chair. Ben has loved being part of a team and having mentors of all ages who also rely on a wheelchair to get around. Ben was recently selected to be on Sportable's competitive power soccer team. We have been attaching a removable guard to his chair when he plays power soccer. However, now that he is training at the next level, he is in need of better equipment.

Ben was recently awarded a grant from the Challenged Athlete Foundation which will cover about half the cost of a Strike Force Power Soccer Chair. The chair with additional options such as headrest will cost close to $10,000. The Strike Force has guards all the way around it and moves faster than his current wheelchair. It also has a lower center of gravity, making it a much safer option for competitive play.

We would appreciate any amount you can donate to help Ben reach his goal of playing Power Soccer at the next level!