Wheelchair rugby

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

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Rugby is an intense and competitive sport, and now even the wheelchair-bound can get in on the activity.

Talbot Kennedy, 24, is a quadriplegic - the result of a trampoline accident on his last day of high school.

Despite the injury, Kennedy is also an athlete.

His team is part of the United States Quad Rugby Association, which competes in tournaments all around the country.

"When I found wheelchair rugby and then I realized you're out here being aggressive and working hard and hitting people, that made it all the better," said Kennedy.

"When they come out here, they see that their teammates are strong and they are independent and it gives them hope of what they can achieve and what they can do," said occupational therapist Amy Bohn.

Off the court, Kennedy attends college and hopes to get a degree in physical education.

"It's really awesome," said Kennedy. "I mean, I don't know where I would be without it, you know what I'm saying?"

Wheelchair rugby builds endurance, strength, and helps with morale.