LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) – They are an all star basketball team defying limitations. Their home gym is at the Douglass Community Center. Players of all ages and levels participate in a program called Adapted Leisure Activities.
Every Monday night, it's a pick-up basketball game like no other. "We have guys that are in power chairs, who cannot shoot the ball that we incorporate in playing on up to guys with little or no disability," said Brent Priddy, Metro Parks supervisor.
While these athletes may be in wheelchairs, that doesn't stop them from standing out on the court.
"I'm very passionate about basketball, I hope to go far with it one day," said one of the players BJ Bonmon.
Since the Olympics have kicked off, the worldwide games have only encouraged players to push even harder.
"The intensity and the competition level, it's like it's a competition in here now because of the Olympics going on," said Dontay York, recreational assistant. "With Kobe, Lebron and all the star players and we have our little local stars in our gym, too."
They are stars that are now setting even bigger goals. "It helps me become a better player because I want to be that good someday," said John Michael Cristofoli, player.
"I always think that someday that's going to be me," said Ellie Conkling, player.
They make sure that no limitations define them. "I really do want to play for a men's wheelchair team and I hope to be in the Olympics one day," said Bonmon.
With a place like the Douglass Community Center, those dreams may not be out of reach. "I'm just very proud that I found here to play," said Cristofoli.
"Everybody wins out here," said Priddy.
Just recently, the Louisville Metro Parks Adapted Leisure Activities program has been designation a U.S. Paralympic sport club. To learn more click here.
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