How Adaptive Sports Leads to Self-Motivation and Confidence
In June 2009, Eddie Gonzalez was leaving a house party with his girlfriend when a sudden, searing pain tore through his back. He had been struck by a bullet.
The gunshot wound Eddie sustained that night caused multiple injuries and left him with limited use of his hands. After years of physical and occupational therapy, Eddie slowly began to recover some of his physical abilities. However, the emotional toll still weighed heavily as Eddie worked to adjust to a new way of life.
“While I was able to physically recover some abilities, I was still battling and overcoming depression, says Eddie. “This was only heightened due to my father passing away during my recovery.”
In 2012, Eddie was invited by a caseworker to attend a local wheelchair support group. During one of the group meetings, South Texas Regional Adaptive & Para Sports (STRAPS) Director of Adaptive Programming, Brooke Matula, gave a presentation about the program and adaptive sports. One of those sports was power soccer.
“I was very familiar with soccer and used to play when I was younger,” says Eddie. “It made me curious how we could play soccer in a wheelchair.”
STRAPS, a program created by Morgan’s Wonderland and now operated by YMCA, provides adaptive and Paralympic-style sports for athletes with special needs and disabilities. For Eddie, it offered a way to stay active while giving him a place to compete, connect and begin seeing himself in a new way.
“It was a hobby that quickly became an addiction,” says Eddie. “For the first time I didn’t feel pain physically or mentally because I was staying active. Instead of just watching, I was competing alongside others that were having the same struggles as me.”
Over the years, Eddie has remained deeply involved with STRAPS, participating in soccer, boccia and CrossFit. He’s even been able to travel with the team and compete across the country.
“To see my teammates and I develop our skills where some have gone on to train with Team USA has been incredible,” says Eddie. “It has been a privilege to play and build that camaraderie with my teammates across five different states.”
Traveling and competing with STRAPS teams has given Eddie opportunities he never expected. Those moments continue to shape how he sees himself and what he is capable of.
“Being in adaptive sports has definitely helped me see myself differently,” says Eddie. “It has inspired me to have more self-motivation and confidence.”
Today, Eddie’s life is filled with the kind of connection and purpose he was once searching for. When he is not competing in adaptive sports, he helps others by volunteering, giving back to the community that has given him so much.
“Some of my friends are surprised that I’m able to do what I can do,” says Eddie. “They see it as inspiration that if I’m able to better myself, they can also.”
After more than a decade with STRAPS, Eddie knows that adaptive sports can look different for everyone. They come to compete, stay active, be part of a team or simply have fun. What matters most is the willingness to try.
“Adaptive sports has allowed me to escape from my physical limitations,” says Eddie. “I encourage others to keep an open mind and give it a try. You might be surprised how things turn out.”
Key Takeaways:
- South Texas Regional Adaptive & Para Sports (STRAPS), a program of Morgan’s Sports and YMCA, provides adaptive and Paralympic-style sports for athletes with special needs and disabilities, including wounded service members, Veterans, adults and youth. Learn more about their mission and the services they provide here.
- At Warm Springs Foundation, we proudly support STRAPS along with others in our Circle of Care who provide life-altering possibilities for those living with disabilities.