As spring is finally emerging in Michigan after several false starts, people with disabilities may only see barriers to getting outside and being active. But, the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) wants to spread the word about opportunities for our members, and for all of those facing physical limitations, who may have never considered the possibilities of sports and recreation.
We talked with Phil Chester, head coach of the MPVA National Veterans Wheelchair Team, for some insight, ideas, and inspiration. Phil has been coaching veterans with spinal cord injury or disease for over 16 years in sports like archery, basketball, tennis, hockey and so much more.
We asked him to share his unique take on the power of individuals with disabilities, especially of the veterans that he has worked with throughout his long career. The takeaway: many people are not even aware of the power that they have and the amount of people willing to help them find that strength.
The Conversation
Coach Phil: What surprised and impressed me the most about the athletes I’ve worked with has been the many abilities those with disabilities have, even though I had experienced this through my relationship with my father-n-law, who had used a wheelchair most of his adult life. He, as well as all of these athletes, show and prove that they can do it everyday—just a little differently.
Robin from MPVA: What is your impression of those with severe disabilities competing in sporting competitions?
Coach Phil: Watching the team compete, from the get go, is just impressive. They have done and do things that a lot of able-bodied individuals wouldn’t even try. Watching the athletes even being knocked around and scuffed up is inspiring; they all just persevere and keep going. We have had athletes at the games become sick or hurt and have to be taken to the hospital. These athletes do whatever they can to get back to the games for their next event, even though no one would fault them for passing on that next event. They were there.
Robin from MPVA: I am a person in a wheelchair, but I am also a person who might not believe I could do something like this. What would you say to encourage me?
Coach Phil: Some days people get up on that ridiculously wrong side of the bed. Or we think someone else is more capable than us. But every athlete on a team is a person and will be there to boost and encourage that person to continue on doing the best that they can.
If they have done their best, they are a winner to themselves, even without the outer show of a medal. Maybe it is that inner medal about which we should be the most pleased.
Robin, I would say to you that if you are considering just staying in your comfort zone, it will swallow you up. Get up. Do something.
If you get the chance to go watch the MPVA Wheelchair Team compete, DO IT!. You will be impressed. More importantly, you will be inspired to join. We need those daily challenges of activity to survive through another day. So get out of that comfort zone and compete for your life. If not on a team, then for yourself.
Next Steps to Get Involved
Coach Phil: MPVA has a lot of resources they offer to make your life a more quality life. To get you out of that comfort zone. When was the last time you competed on a sports team? When was the last time you went hunting or fishing? Heck, when was the last time you met friends and played checkers? If there was a class for mind reading, most of us would fail! So no one will read your mind. But you do have a means for communication. DO IT! Tell us what you need. Leave that comfort zone behind.
Contact MPVA’s Scot Severn, Ray Brown, and the rest of our Sports & Recreation Team at chapterhq@michiganpva.org to get started.
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