Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation, Rise Adaptive Sports Bring Top BMX, Skateboard, Wheelchair Motocross Competition to DFW

'WCMX–No Excuses Throwdown' Features Free WCMX/Adaptive Skate Clinic for Individuals with a Physical Disability

On Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, top competitors from across the country will convene in Irving to compete for bragging rights, cash and prizes in the divisions of BMX, skateboarding and wheelchair motocross (WCMX). A professional ramp course is being built specifically for this event inside the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas.

What makes this event especially unique is its focus on all-inclusiveness and abilities versus disabilities.

"The idea of this event is very exciting," said Victor Nelson, manager of the Alliance Skatepark in Grand Prairie. "Texas has never seen a live event combining skate, BMX and WCMX in one arena."

Not only will there be the best WCMX riders in the world in attendance, but on Saturday morning from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. the professional ramp course also will be opened for a free beginners WCMX/Adaptive Skate Clinic, allowing anyone with a physical disability to test their skills on the ramps and challenge their own limitations (there are no age or ability limits).

"WCMX is the culmination of drive and spirit delivered in a high-intensity live action sports show," said Chay Walker of the Texas Skateboarding Club.

Additionally, many of the pro BMX and skateboard riders will be on hand helping these novice WCMX'ers navigate the course, and pro-WCMX riders will be on hand teaching safety, wheelchair tricks and techniques to future WCMX stars. After the clinic an awards ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments and spirit of the event.

Saturday afternoon and evening will bring on the finals in each pro division. Each WCMX rider and the top 10 BMX and skateboard qualifiers will compete for top billing. The finals are when organizers expect Aaron "Wheelz" Fotheringham to pull out all the stops to win by performing his highly anticipated back-flip. Throughout the day there will be prizes raffled and auctioned off.

Concluding this two-day event will be the award ceremony where cash and prizes will be announced and presented to the winners of each division.

More details about the event are available at: www.riseadaptivesports.org/wcmx.

About Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation
Since 1981, Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation (BIR) has helped people overcome serious disabilities and return to full, productive lives. BIR's interdisciplinary clinical teams – made up of physicians, nurses, therapists and other rehabilitation professionals – partner with patients and their families to design and implement treatment plans to achieve each patient's unique goals. BIR has received repeat recognition as one of the country's top rehabilitation hospitals in U.S. News & World Report's annual "America's Best Hospitals" report, and been designated by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research as a model system for the treatment and care of patients with traumatic brain injuries. BIR is a joint venture between Baylor Health Care System and Select Medical Corporation and includes four freestanding hospitals – BIR Dallas, BIR NW Dallas, BIR Frisco and BIR Ft. Worth. BIR also manages acute inpatient rehabilitation units at Baylor All Saints Medical Center and Baylor Medical Center at Irving. In addition, BIR operates more than 50 outpatient therapy centers and offers home health services.

 

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Kristine Hughes
kristine.hughes@baylorhealth.edu
office: (214) 820-7556
cell: (214) 755-0010

About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com