GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Mary Free Bed Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp is back this summer, continuing a decades-long tradition of helping kids with disabilities discover confidence, independence and connection through adaptive sports. This year, the camp is celebrating a major milestone: a new long-term commitment from the Saladin Shriners that will help sustain and grow the program for years to come.
The Shriners have pledged more than $600,000 over the next 10 years to support the camp, reinforcing a partnership that has already helped hundreds of young athletes access life-changing opportunities. This commitment ensures that the five-day camp will remain free for families, removing financial barriers and expanding access to youth across Michigan and beyond.
“This commitment reflects our shared belief that every child deserves the chance to play, compete and belong,” said Dr. Jonathan Duley, treasurer and past potentate of Saladin Shriners. “We’re proud to partner with Mary Free Bed to help ensure this camp continues to inspire confidence and create opportunities for young athletes for years to come.”
Hosted on-campus at Grand Valley State University, the Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp welcomes children and teens ages 7 to 18 who have physical disabilities. Each summer, more than 50 campers come together from across the region to try new sports, build connections and experience the joy of competition in a safe, inclusive environment.
Campers rotate through a wide variety of adaptive sports, including wheelchair basketball, tennis, kayaking, handcycling and more. For many participants, it’s their first opportunity to explore athletics without worrying about the cost of equipment or having prior experience. The result is a space where kids can discover new abilities while making lasting friendships along the way.
“We look forward to this camp all year,” said Maria Besta, director of integrative therapies and adaptive recreation. “It’s a chance for kids to try something new, build confidence and just have fun in an environment where they feel supported and included.”
That sense of belonging is at the heart of the program. Nationally, many children living with disabilities face limited access to physical activity opportunities, contributing to long-term health risks and social isolation. Programs like the Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp help close that gap by creating meaningful opportunities to move, connect and grow.
The impact goes beyond the week of camp. Through the Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports Program, young athletes can continue participating year-round in more than 50 sports and recreational activities designed to support their physical and emotional well-being.
Nearly the entire Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports Program is funded through philanthropy, making community partnerships essential. The Shriners’ decade-long commitment provides stability for the future and allows Mary Free Bed to continue building a program that provides access to the evolving needs of kids and families.
At its core, the Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp is about offering a life-changing experience for young people, helping each camper discover their strength and potential in new ways.
To learn more about the camp or the Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports Program, visit maryfreebed.com/sports.
