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Neuro Note 2: Memphis Rollin' Grizzlies

The Memphis Rollin' Grizzlies is a competitive, nationally ranked wheelchair basketball team in Memphis that travels all over to play. We, as a class, were lucky enough to be invited to watch a practice where I was surprisingly enlightened about what wheelchair basketball really is. The team scrimmaged for about an hour and a half to where I couldn’t look away. These guys are powerful. If you think about how much upper body strength and coordination goes in to wheelchair basketball, it’s amazing. Trust me. I tried it. A few of us tried the wheelchairs, which are specialized for the sport, and it wasn’t pretty.

Aside from these guys’ incredible talent, they all have a unique story that I loved to hear about. We had just discussed spinal cord injury in class before attending this event. Not all of the players have had a SCI, but some did. It is one thing to learn about SCI in class, but it's another thing to get to talk with someone who has experienced it. That's a whole new learning experience. That was my favorite part of this event. I think we could have stayed for hours talking with the guys, but, unfortunately, we had to leave because the facility was closing.

 The opportunity to attend this event is something that I’ll never forget. The Memphis Rollin' Grizzlies bring so much to the Memphis community. I can’t wait to keep up with them on their upcoming season!
 
http://www.rollingrizzlies.org

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