Mary Free Bed Hosts Michigan’s First Power Soccer Tournament

Local athletes have been waiting for it. Michigan has its first power soccer tournament right here in Grand Rapids. The Inaugural Overdrive Power Soccer Invitational Tournament presented by Lake Michigan Credit Union will feature nearly 50 athletes and coaches in the fastest growing sport on four wheels.

Mary Free Bed’s Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports program is proud to host the inaugural tournament that will include five teams from across the Midwest. The home team, the Mary Free Bed Overdrive, is eager to play and host a tournament for their home fans.

When:
Saturday, Nov. 18th from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, Nov. 19th from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm

Where:
Unified Sports and Inclusion Center
160 68th St SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49548

Power soccer is played by people who have a physical disability and use power chairs for daily mobility. It’s often one of the only adaptive sports available to them. It’s a fast-paced game – similar to soccer but played on a basketball court and with a larger ball.

Mary Free Bed started their power soccer program in 2018. It started with a small clinic and progressed over the years into a full team of 13 players, ranging from age 7 to 39.

“This tournament is made possible thanks to the generosity of our sponsors like Lake Michigan Credit Union,” said Thomas Flynn, sports coordinator at Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports. “Having a home tournament allows family and friends of the athletes to watch them play – often for the first time.”

Mary Free Bed’s Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports is the only organization in West Michigan that offers such a wide range of inclusive wheelchair and adaptive sports. It’s also the largest program of its kind in the United States, reaching people throughout Michigan and beyond.