In honor of Disabilities Awareness Month, Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School seventh grader Emma D’Antonio introduced the idea of integrating sports wheelchairs into the school’s PE classes on March 20 and 21. As a dedicated player for the travel wheelchair basketball team, the New York Rolling Fury, Emma saw an opportunity to help her classmates gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for individuals who use wheelchairs.

Emma, who plays point guard for the team, wanted her classmates to experience the unique challenges and skills required to play sports from a wheelchair. With access to a handful of sports chairs, her fellow students first got used to moving and turning in the chairs before practicing shooting, dribbling and passing. Emma was there to share pointers and answer her classmates’ questions.

She hopes that by giving her classmates the chance to try wheelchair basketball, they’ll recognize the strength, determination, skills and perseverance it takes to navigate in a chair. “I want to normalize using and playing in a wheelchair,” Emma said. “Most kids don’t get the chance to experience what it feels like, and I want them to understand what it’s like to move and compete in one.”

Outside of school, Emma plays with the New York Rolling Fury weekly in Queens and helped her team secure a third place win at nationals last year. She was also named MVP in her latest tournament. Looking ahead, Emma hopes to bring sports wheelchairs back to OBMS next year to reach more students.

With a passion for the sport, Emma plans to continue playing throughout high school and dreams of competing for a division one college. Her ultimate goal is to represent Team USA as a Paralympian, and one day, coach others.

Click here to view the OBMS 7th grader introduces wheelchair basketball in honor of Disabilities Awareness Month slideshow.

Date Added: 3/25/2025