Power Soccer comes to Fort Wayne
By: Charlie De Mar
Updated: July 19, 2012
While you might not be familiar with power soccer, it's the first competitive team sport designed and developed for people in power wheel chairs.
"When I broke my neck when I was 19 I thought my life was over."
Jerry Frick, was able to turn his life around for the positive after being introduced to power soccer 20 years ago. He now travels around the country teaching people how to play the growing sport.
"I love introducing the sport to young kids." Said Frick "Like I said back in 2001 we had 6 teams now we are up to 70.
Mathew Martin was diagnosed with M.S. when he was 6-years-old. While sports have always been his passion he never played a played one,until power soccer entered his life.
"Growing up I didn't have anything to do sports wise so i missed out on a lot now I play around the country.."
Mathews mom Wendy traveled from Atlanta to see Matt play the sport he loves.
"For years he didn't get to participate in a sport as a kid so getting to watch him now means a lot." his mother said.
Wendy says for Mathew power soccer has been much more than a sport.
"It's his drive for everyday, I mean that's what gets him through his life is play this sport he loves."
Sam labas loves coaching his brother and seeing him compete with the best players in the sport.
"He never got to play in a game never got to go to play in a tournament never got to play for a national championship and that's what this sport does for power chair users.
The athletes competing aren't just committed to playing the sport, they are also determined to see their sport grow.
