1. Greetings,
My name is Daniel Williams, I am 11 years old from Grand Rapids, Michigan. In March of 2016 I was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis which has left me paralyzed from the waist down. Before then I was a normal kid running and playing with my sister and friends and was in Taekwondo. It has been hard at times for me to get used to being in a wheelchair because I wanted to keep doing the things I was doing before (running outside, playing at the park and riding my bike). My mom signed me up that first summer for Wheelchair Sports Camp that Mary Free Bed put on out at Grand Valley State University, and I had so much fun! I have been going every summer since. Last year though my mom thought it would be a good opportunity for me to try being on a sports team, I wanted to do Basketball and Hockey, but she made me chose only one, so I picked Hockey. So I went to a practice with the Sled Wings and loved it! Last year was my first year with the team and I have made some really good friends, have gotten to travel to different cities that I’ve never been to before, and it has taught me how to work with others towards a goal. I have also learned that the more we practice the better we get, not just while I’m playing hockey, but with every day things I have to do as well. I have learned how to ask for help when I need it, and to take the corrections that are being made when I am not doing something right (both at home and at practice and games). I had never played hockey before this and didn’t know much about it, but Coach Koz and the other coaches have been really helpful teaching me the right way to move on the ice, how to shoot a puck, get back up when I fall over, how to not be a sore loser and to be a humble winner, and basically everything I needed to know while I’m playing. The wonderful people at the Griff’s Youth Foundation let me borrow my protective equipment until I was able to get my own, and Mary Free Bed and Rinks to Links had sleds and sticks that I could pick from to be able to play. The Sled Wings have allowed me to do something that I didn’t think I would be able to do again, and it has helped me that to realize that if I put my mind to something I can do anything in life, no matter if I can’t walk anymore. I know this sport isn’t a cheap one to play (my mom says she spends a small fortune on me) and the wonderful organizations wouldn’t be able to provide the things us players need without the generous support from their donors. I would like to say thank you to all those who come out to support and donate to Rinks-to-Links and the Sled Wings. Without your continued support we wouldn’t have the wonderful experiences we get to have. Thank you and I will see you on the ice.
Daniel Williams #42