Syracuse

Wheels of courage : how paralyzed veterans from World War II invented wheelchair sports, fought for disability rights, and inspired a nation / David Davis

Davis, David

Edited by Center Street - 2020

"Wheels of courage" tells the stirring story of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who were paralyzed on the battlefield during World War II. The paralyzed veterans formed the first wheelchair basketball teams, and soon the Rolling Devils, the Flying Wheels, and the Gizz Kids were barnstorming the nation and filling arenas with cheering, incredulous fans. The wounded-warriors-turned-playmakers were joined by their British counterparts, led by the indomitable Dr. Ludwig Guttmann. Together, they triggered the birth of the Paralympic Games and opened the gymnasium doors to those with other disabilities, including survivors of the polio epidemic in the 1950s.

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