BlazeSports Athletes Compete on Wheels

BlazeSports Athletes Compete on Wheels by AJC.

John Grimsley of Gainesville is the only student at his high school in a wheelchair. But when he plays basketball and tennis, he’s among friends who can relate to his situation. Everyone plays on wheels for BlazeSports teams. The 15-year-old high school freshman began playing wheelchair basketball for BlazeSports at age 9, and then wheelchair tennis three years ago. He still participates in both, and has his sights set on wheelchair tennis in college and, hopefully, as a professional.

“John was always very athletic, always had a ball in his hands, so we knew (BlazeSports) would be a fun new thing for him,” his mom, Mary Grimsley, said. “We just had no idea how great it would be.”

The nonprofit adaptive sports program based in Norcross is also great for parents.

Grimsley said friendships and camaraderie among families are more important than the sporting events.

“The sports are wonderful, but we talk a lot about medical issues, surgery and give encouragement to help each other get through everything that’s coming our way. It’s really been incredible,” Grimsley said.

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