Posted on December 6, 2024
Gold Medal Winning Paralympian Plays in Local Wheelchair Basketball Tournament
John Boie is fresh off winning his second gold medal at 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. John is bringing his Team USA experience to Grand Rapids again playing his second year with the Mary Free Bed Pacers wheelchair basketball team.
This weekend, seven teams from Midwest, Alabama and Canada will tip off at the annual Mary Free Bed Invitational Presented by CareLinc. 80 athletes will be competing on the court, including the home teams, the DI Mary Free Bed Pacers and the DIII Rollin’ Drive.
When:
Saturday, December 7, from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 8, from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where:
Mary Free Bed YMCA
5500 Burton St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
John Boie, or JB as he is often called, grew up on a farm in Wisconsin, where he sustained an injury when he was just 2 years old. He was introduced to wheelchair basketball when he was 11 years old and has been playing ever since.
At this weekend’s tournament JB won’t just be playing on the court; he’ll throw on black and white stripes and referee some of the Division III games. He’s got six years of refereeing experience and he’s excited to use them here in Grand Rapids.
The Mary Free Bed Invitational Adult Wheelchair Basketball Tournament is presented by CareLinc and hosted by Mary Free Bed’s Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports program. The tournament is free to attend, and the public is encouraged to come and cheer on the athletes.
/// UPDATE ///
Miss the action? Watch a livestream from the tournament this past weekend below:
MEDIA COVERAGE:
