The Miracle League

WILD WHEELERS SHOOT & SCORE

By MARIE WOOD

Many individuals with disabilities have often been told that they can’t do certain things. This can be very discouraging to hear. The Miracle League of North Mankato offers the opportunity to play a sport that maybe they thought would not be possible, and because of this, it gives them confidence. It can show them that they can do anything that they put their mind to. This league teaches participants how to adapt both physically and mentally to play a sport that they all love. The individuals in this program are some of the toughest people that I have ever met, and I am very lucky to have this opportunity to coach them.

— Josh Hanson, Wild Wheelers Coach

Nelson Remington, age 15, is playing his second season of basketball with the Wild Wheelers this winter. On Saturdays from January to April, he travels from his home near Fairmont to the Lake Crystal Area Recreation Center.

Nelson Remington is playing his second season as a Wild Wheeler.

“I really enjoy basketball and I think it’s a really fun sport,” Nelson says. “I know that last year I worked on 3-pointers. I want to work on 3-pointers again this year.”

Like Nelson, Coach Josh Hanson is also in his second season with the Wild Wheelers. His first season was an eye opener.

Competition is part of the game.

“I learned very fast that these kids do not need or want special treatment. Within the first few minutes of my first practice, I could already see the bond that the kids have formed with one another over their years of playing together. I have a strengths perspective approach and I like to teach them to adapt a positive mindset. We work on challenging negative/self-defeating thoughts and visualizing their success. My hope is that this opportunity can make a positive impact on their life. In my personal experience coaching them, I have already learned so much from the participants and they have definitely made a positive impact on my life. I am very grateful for the opportunity to coach wheelchair basketball,” Josh says.

The Miracle League of North Mankato offers Youth Wheelchair Basketball for athletes ages 5 to 18. The Mankato Clinic Foundation was proud to award a $4,000 grant to support an inclusive space for physical activity.

“It’s important for us to be able to provide our athletes, who are wheelchair or crutches/ braces enabled, with the opportunity to participate in an organized basketball program which can increase physical and mental well-being and build self-confidence and competency while having fun with a little competition,” says Amy Jordan, executive director of the Miracle League of North Mankato.

Josh Hanson coaches a passing drill. Nelson Remington is on his right.

This is the sixth season for the Wild Wheelers, having taken a couple years off during the pandemic.

“Everyone there is extremely nice and supportive. It’s a really good group of people. There’s a lot of people from all around the area,” Nelson says.

Nelson, who was born with spina bifida and has been in a wheelchair his entire life, is also a member of the high school track team. He participates in wheelchair races. He plans to compete in track and basketball through high school and may even continue in college.

Coach Josh Hanson brings the team in for a huddle.

New to the area, Nelson says being in a wheelchair made it a bit harder to get to know people.

“A lot of people are scared of you if you’re in a wheelchair. A lot of people in the school now are used to seeing me,” Nelson says.

Being part of the Wild Wheelers showed him there are a lot of other people like him.

The Miracle League of North Mankato also offers adult and youth baseball at Fallenstein Field, a barrier-free and wheelchair/handicapped accessible field. ■

To learn more or get involved in the Miracle League of North Mankato, visit miracleleaguenm.org