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San Antonio ParaSport Spurs Prepare for National Championship, Seek Travel Support
The wheelchair basketball team is ranked 11th nationally and aims to win the title.
Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:35am
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ParaSports Wheelchair Sports Organization Inc. is sending its ParaSport Spurs basketball team to the National Championship tournament later this month. The team, which is currently ranked 11th in the nation, is raising funds to cover travel costs for the competition in Monroe, Texas from March 26-29.
Why it matters
The ParaSport Spurs provide opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities to compete at a high level. Their journey to the national championship highlights the determination and skill of these adaptive athletes, as well as the challenges they face in accessing resources to pursue their athletic goals.
The details
The ParaSport Spurs, a wheelchair basketball team, train at Morgan's Sports Complex in San Antonio. Led by head coach Willie Jackson and assistant coach Nakia Merritte, the team is composed primarily of military veterans who have lost limbs. As they prepare for the national tournament, the team is seeking financial support to cover flights, hotel rooms, and other travel expenses.
- The ParaSport Spurs will compete in the National Championship tournament from March 26-29, 2026 in Monroe, Texas.
- The team is currently ranked 11th nationally and aims to move up to the #1 spot.
The players
Willie Jackson
Head coach of the ParaSport Spurs.
Nakia Merritte
Assistant coach for the ParaSport Spurs team.
ParaSports Wheelchair Sports Organization Inc.
A San Antonio nonprofit supporting athletes with physical disabilities.
ParaSport Spurs
The wheelchair basketball team representing San Antonio that is headed to the national championship tournament.
What they’re saying
“Adaptive sports is not meant to be easy. We have some guys who were born like this. Most of the team is military. In the wars, some of them lost their leg.”
— Nakia Merritte, Assistant coach (kens5.com)
“Our goal is to go from 11 to 1.”
— Willie Jackson, Head coach (kens5.com)
“They open up and become more of what they were before their injuries.”
— Willie Jackson, Head coach (kens5.com)
What’s next
The ParaSport Spurs will compete in the National Championship tournament from March 26-29, 2026 in Monroe, Texas, where they hope to improve on their current 11th place national ranking and win the title.
The takeaway
The ParaSport Spurs' journey to the national championship showcases the resilience and athletic prowess of athletes with physical disabilities. Their story highlights the importance of adaptive sports programs in empowering individuals and fostering a more inclusive sports landscape.
