Power soccer encourages disabled athletes to play

Rolling Thunder has players from all over Puget Sound

Marques Hunter

of the Gateway

Cody Hinkley, an eighth-grader at Goodman Middle School in Gig Harbor, loves to watch soccer. But he enjoys playing it even more.

Before he played for the Rolling Thunder, playing and watching was completely different. Now, it has become more synonymous. The team was created three years ago in Tacoma for men and women who have disabilities.

The Rolling Thunder soccer team gives people who don’t have full use of their body an opportunity to be an athlete. It’s the only sport most can play, since they are confined to powered wheelchairs. Most have minimal use of their hands and feet.

Hinkley and his teammates have developed a passion for power soccer. The team travels from all over Puget Sound twice a month to practice in Tacoma. Hinkley rarely misses a practice.

“It’s fun to be playing a sport with people who are like you,” Hinkley said. “It’s the only sport I can do.”

Rolling Thunder players have many different forms of disabilities. Some were born with them while others received injuries later in life, such as a car accident or a military career.

No matter the circumstance, power soccer has given each a chance to take part in sports.

Jonn Moomaw, one of Hinkley’s foster parents, said there weren’t any outlets for sports before the soccer team was created.

“It’s filling a gap,” Moomaw said.

The Rolling Thunder plays mostly scrimmage games because there aren’t any teams in Washington state with which to compete. Recently, though, they invited a team from British Columbia to play in an exhibition match.

“We have a lot of work to do if we want to be as good as they are,” Hinkley said.

Hinkley, a twin born at 28 weeks gestation, was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy. Some of his hobbies include Star Wars, playing video games and computers. Outside of his disability, he’s just as capable as any other teenager. He understands the strategy behind soccer and said his team is slowly getting better.

Giving disabled people hope and excitement can be a difficult task to manage. But that’s why Marlo and David Thompson of Tacoma decided to form the team.

“They are competing and are a part of a team,” Marlo said. “I saw the hope and excitement on their faces.”

Some of the players catch three buses just to attend practice in Tacoma. There is a diverse mix of age, and Hinkley is one of the youngest of more than 20 players.

Rolling Thunder head coach Kirk Westrick said each player likes being competitive.

“Just like everyone else, they have the desire to compete and win,” Westrick said.

While soccer plays out on a gym court, it’s not all about winning and losing. Many of the players enjoy the social aspect, too.

One of Hinkley’s favorite parts about practice is simply having a conversation with his teammates and sharing some good times.

“It’s a little more about getting to know people,” he said.

Westrick remembers times when practice would start late. And when it was ready to start, there were small pockets of Rolling Thunder teammates huddled around the gym, socializing.

“There aren’t many times when you see 20 power electric wheelchairs in one location,” Westrick said. “For them, it’s the camaraderie, networking and making new friends.”

Although the team may not have an abundance of competition, the simple fact they are playing serves as a great outlet, both physically and mentally.

“We’ve supported them for years, and in the process, we’re able to see growth in people who had no excitement in their lives or no hope,” Marlo said.

Reach sports reporter Marques Hunter at 253-853-9246 or by e-mail at marques.hunter@gateline.com.