This Friday, X Games spectators will be able to watch a new extreme sport that is gaining momentum in the skateboarding world.
Wheelchair Motocross, similar to BMX biking, challenges athletes to master tricks that allow them to flip and fly through the air. To do so, athletes require specialized wheelchairs equipped with skate wheels, reinforced frames and full suspension.
These athletes will be zipping across Rhodes Skatepark this weekend at the X-Games Qualifiers, hosted by Boise Parks and Recreation and the Challenged Athletes Foundation. This demo and clinic event aims to showcase the professional athletes’ skills and bring awareness to the sport.
Jennifer Skeesick, regional director of the Challenged Athletes Foundation, says the biggest barrier to access for these athletes comes down to cost.
“Many times unfortunately, the families that are affected and require adaptive sport have financial constraints bigger than a lot of people realize," says Skeesick. "So, the purchasing of adaptive sport equipment is not covered by insurance because it's seen as a luxury item, and that’s unfortunate because it’s very expensive and a lot of these families and individuals can’t afford it.”
The event is at 5 p.m. Friday and will feature world-class athletes Christiaan “Otter” Bailey and Aaron “Wheelz” Forthingham. Afterwards, local wheelchair athletes can try their hand at the sport alongside the pros.
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