by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Anne Wafula Strike

When you’re born, you never know what the future holds in store for you. For Anne Wafula Strike MBE, the first East Africa Paralympian who is now changing lives in Africa with her foundation, her disability may have the best thing that ever happened to her.

But at the time of her disability, there was no one from her little Kenyan village that would have agreed. Not yet anyway.

An athlete, mother, author and chair of a foundation in her name, this is the story of Anne Wafula Strike. Read this entry

by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Matt Scott

Look close…chances are you might recognize Matt Scott. By far one of the most accomplished wheelchair basketball players in the world, he’s been winning international wheelchair basketball cup titles since 2008.

He’s also a medal-winning Paralympian, a former Nike spokesperson and a nominee for an ESPY Award. It’s no understatement to say his life has been completely transformed by wheelchair-basketball, and the best part – he’s just a kid from Detroit.

From the Paralympics to kicking butt and taking names playing wheelchair basketball in Turkey, Matt has gone international with his superstardom. Read this entry

by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Bert Burns

While he may be the founder and CEO of one of the largest urological supply companies in the United States, Bert Burns is not your regular businessmen with a spinal cord injury. Also a Paralympian, Bert carries on a passionate sports life outside of the office.

And that’s just the start of it. Also a motivational speaker, husband and father of twins, Bert’s accident infused in him not only the survival to live, but to live fully.

To learn how he was able to do that and much more, read on for the story of Bert Burns. Read this entry

by Tiff -

En Garde: The Awesome World of Wheelchair Fencing

Arguably one of the most elegant adapted sports ever created, wheelchair fencing remains untouched in the coolness and disability departments. It’s one of the oldest adapted sports out there, yet it still remains one of the most popular, and it’s hard to argue why.

There are paralleled inexpensive adaptations for this sport; some of the cheapest you’ll find out there among any other adapted sport. All you need is a weapon, protective gear and really good brakes, and you’re set. Read on for three videos showing the best of what wheelchair fencing has to offer.

by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Muffy Davis

A wife, mother and seven-time Paralympic medalist, Muffy Davis is one of the most well-known disabled athletes in the US. Successful in both wheelchair racing and skiing, she’s won dozens of medals since breaking her back nearly 25 years ago.

But she’s more than just an athlete. A graduate of Stanford University and an internationally renowned motivational speaker who’s figured out the secret to sustained happiness, Muffy’s smarts are almost as impressive as her athletic success. Read this entry

by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Tatyana McFadden

They say our early years have a strong effect on who we become, and this is certainly the case for US Paralympian Tatyana McFadden. Until the age of 6, Tatyana was living in a Russian orphanage walking on her hands because there were no wheelchairs available and was known by the orphanage’s staff for her stubborn “I can do it on my own” personality.

A grim future no doubt, but her entire life changed in 1995 when her future adoptive mother Deborah McFadden, who was working for the United States government and was in Russia to disburse aid, met Tatyana while visiting her orphanage. She fell in love with her spirit, and even though she wasn’t thinking about adopting, she adopted Tatyana in hopes of giving her a true future.

Deborah was temporarily paralyzed for a year with Guillaine Barre Syndrome, so she personally understands the life of someone with a mobility disability, hence her desire to help Tatyana. To find out how Tatyana went on to become one of the most decorated wheelchair racers in the world after settling the United States, check out our post below. Read this post