Miami Heat Wheels wheelchair basketball has been a huge part of my life for four years now. I have been asked to blog about the team for over a year. My first blog post is not about how many teams we have beat, not winning or losing at Nationals, nor how many athletes have gone on from our program to collegiate and pro careers.

My first blog post is about our organization and team’s involvement with helping to affect a cure for spinal cord injuries. Wings for Life World Run is a unique race where 100% of the proceeds go to fund research to cure spinal cord injuries (SCI). Miami Heat Wheels is an official partner in this wonderful cause. Players will participate in the race, and encourage others to join our racing team.

Sign up for the race HERE, and team up with us to find a cure for SCI. Do not forget to sign up as part of Miami Heat Wheels team. Simply enter “Miami Heat Wheels” as the Club/Company on the signup page.

Why race? Is this the year where we find a cure for spinal cord injuries? Will your participation help find it? There is the pessimistic view of, “there is nothing new on the horizon. The “cure” is not around the corner, as is reported.” Do we stop looking? I say NO!, that is not my view, and I encourage all to not let pessimistic views keep you on your couch watching reality shows, or with your head down staring at your phone screen on your social media page. You can socialize with the world in a different way this May 4th.

The race is different than traditional races that have a starting line and a finish line. First, there will be a running race as well as a wheelchair race! There is also a moving finish line. A Catcher Car will begin its pursuit of racers in each race simultaneously around the World 30 minutes after the start. The car at 25 mph as racers try to push or run for their personal best. Racers’ numbers contain a tag that is records their start and finish times to determine final result of distance. This tag also allows friends and family to check if a participant is still in the race via wingsforlifeworldrun.com.

Wings for Life World Run is the most unique race event of its kind. It includes both a running race AND a wheelchair race where the finish line is behind you, with participants in six continents and thirty five locations all over the world – all at the same time on May 4th. Three race locations have been selected in the United States including Santa Clarita, California, Denver, Colorado, and right down the road from us here in Sunrise, Florida!!  Other international race locations include:  South Korea, Taiwan, India, Georgia, Turkey, Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Slovakia, Poland, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, Austrailia, and Canada.