When Tomas lost the use of his legs in a bicycle accident when he was 10, his parents didn’t know what life in a wheelchair would hold for their son. While in a rehabilitation hospital, however, Tomas was introduced to wheelchair sports and fell in love with wheelchair tennis.
Today, that little boy is now one of Canada’s fastest-rising wheelchair tennis stars. This year, he won a tournament in Burnaby against adult players, was a finalist in the top division of the Coquitlam open, and reached the finals in a junior doubles tournament in Hilton Head. He also traveled to California to participate in the Americas Junior Wheelchair Tennis Camp, which helped him refine his skills with junior athletes around the world.
“Tomas has had an incredible year,” says his coach Steve Manley. “He’s made major progress on the court, but the real pleasure has been watching him transform into a confident young man. We expect big things from young Tomas in the coming seasons!”
Your donations helped fund Tomas’ participation in tournaments and camp, and provided him with equipment, coaching and court space. He has also had the opportunity to enjoy the social side of tennis and connect with his peers through our fun, themed tennis festivals. The results of all this, as you can see, have been life-changing for this young athlete.
Just this year, Tomas hit a new milestone. He became the first wheelchair athlete in BC -- and probably in Canada -- to play on an able-bodied high-school tennis team. Tomas is breaking barriers and showing the world that kids with disabilities can play alongside their able-bodied peers. Way to go, Tomas!
You can help.
There are hundreds of up-and-coming wheelchair athletes in British Columbia who have the same passion for sport as Tristan and Michelle. They too dream of participating in the sport both on the world stage and here at home. BCWSA works to reduce barriers for people with disabilities of all ages and abilities and help them to lead a healthy active lifestyle. With the cost of a single sports wheelchair reaching over $3000, the need for support has never been greater. Your donation today will help BC Wheelchair Sports purchase much-needed equipment, train coaches and help athletes achieve their dreams.