Wheelchair Hero

Monday, October 26, 2009

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Besides creating the Crossfire, Navarro also started the Xable Sports Foundation.

(Bay News 9) -- Elio Navarro doesn't give up.

"Doctors told me I wasn't going to live past 10," he said.

Navarro is now 29 and living a very full and 'free-wheeling' life.

Navarro created the Tampa Bay Crossfire -- a power wheelchair soccer team that allows people with all kinds of disabilities to be a part of a real team.

"I wanted it not only for myself, but I wanted it for other people like myself to have an opportunity to play a real, competitive team sport. You play completely by yourself," he said. "You don't have your mom or dad out there kicking the ball for you. You're completely by yourself and it's liberating, and it's awesome."

"I think this is a great idea from Elio, and it's helped a lot of different kids," said team member Tyler Hernandez.

Both Hernandez and Navarro have the same condition, spinal muscle atrophy.

But Navarro says he tries to teach his team members that being in a wheelchair is no reason to just sit around on the sidelines.

Besides creating the Crossfire, he also started the Xable Sports Foundation to create awareness and raise funds for his and other power wheelchair teams, so that message can spread.

"It's really important because kids who play sports who are in wheelchairs do better in school, do better in relationships and do better in life," Navarro said.

Hernandez has definitely learned that lesson.

"He's gotten me through a lot of my sports troubles, and he's always talked to me. He's helped me achieve a better player and person," Hernandez said.

And other team members say Navarro's tireless dedication and competitive spirit are something for everyone to shoot for.