"Nobody knows they're in wheelchairs when they're out there. It's just basketball."
A good coach teaches kids how to play sports. A great coach teaches kids the joy of life. George Kiefner and Dan Price are truly great coaches. As the leaders of the Courage Center's Youth Wheelchair Basketball Program, these men teach youngsters not only how to play the game, but how to cope with life in a chair.
"The kids get great life skills by being involved," Dan says.
Dan and George have experienced great success with their players. Both have taken teams to international competitions. Dan usually handles the game strategy while George handles teaching the skills. Both men push their players, and that means tempers can flare at times.
"We're a family. We don't always have to like each other. There's always a "big brother" or "little brother" to deal with," Dan said.
George and Dan are more than coaches and mentors. They're role models for all of us, no matter what our individual abilities might be.
"When you see the kids understand what you're teaching, it's great!" George said.
Designated charities:
Minnesota Wheelchair Athletic Association & Courage Youth Sports
Courage Center