Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports Receives $50,000 Grant from The Hartford

Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports was awarded a $50,000 grant from The Hartford for new adaptive sports equipment.

The grant enabled the Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports program, a member of the Move United member network, to purchase adaptive sports equipment, including seven handcycles and three sports wheelchairs for the inpatient Recreation Therapy department and the Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports program. The sports chairs will be used across every sport team program in addition to the yearly Jr. Wheelchair Sports Camp.

The Hartford also surprised Sam Wright, a 14-year-old athlete who participates on the Mary Free Bed Junior Pacers Wheelchair Basketball team, with a custom-fit, PER4MAX Thunder Sports Wheelchair. This elite performance sports wheelchair will help Wright play competitively in a sturdy, custom fit, tapered, lightweight sports chair. Wright has been participating in Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports since 2019. He has attended various sports clinics, classes, and annually participates in the Jr. Wheelchair Sports Camp. Wright lives in Kalamazoo, MI and travels to Grand Rapids one hour each way to attend practice weekly.

“With the generosity of Move United and The Hartford, our athletes now have access to equipment that gets them in the action and eliminates barriers to participation,” said Maria Besta, CTRS, Manager, Recreational Therapy, Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports at Mary Free Bed. “Adaptive equipment costs can seem overwhelming for individuals who use a wheelchair to play sports. With this funding, they’ve opened doors and improved access to wellness, socialization, and overall health.

Mary Free Bed is the only organization in West Michigan that offers such a wide range of inclusive wheelchair and adaptive sports opportunities to people with disabilities and/or limited mobility and is the largest program of its kind in the United States, reaching people throughout Michigan and beyond. The program includes more than 40 classes, clinics, special events, and teams. Each year, more than 1,800 people of all ages with a diverse range of abilities participate in their programming.

Media coverage of the donation and surprise for Sam included MLive, WWMT 3 and FOX 17.

About The Hartford

The Hartford is a leader in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds. With more than 200 years of expertise, The Hartford is widely recognized for its service excellence, sustainability practices, trust, and integrity. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at https://www.thehartford.com. Follow us on Twitter at @TheHartford_PR.

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About Move United

Move United is the national leader in community adaptive sports, empowering 120,000 youth and adults with disabilities each year to live to their fullest potential. Move United’s 200 member organizations in 45 states are united by a single mission: ensuring everyone, regardless of ability, experiences the life-changing power of sport and is fully included in their community.

Move United, an Affiliate of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to become physically and emotionally stronger through participation in 70 adaptive sports. Established in 1956, Move United offers community-based sports recreation, education and competition that push people further, bring people closer and leave no one on the sidelines. Join our MOVEment at www.moveunitedsport.org.