Accident prompts Durango man to create wheelchair basketball camp

Posted by Stacy Thacker | May 28, 2015 | Basketball |

Noah Hotchkiss, left, gets ready to shoot the ball during a wheelchair basketball game. Hotchkiss was injured in a car accident when he was 11 years old and was paralyzed from the waist down. However, at 16, Hotchkiss has developed an active lifestyle and plans to start a wheelchair basketball clinic to help other Native Americans who face disabilities but want to continue an active lifestyle. (Courtesy photo)

WINDOW ROCK

A car accident changed Noah Hotchkiss’ life when he was 11 years old. Now at 16, he is trying to change the lives of other Native Americans.

Hotchkiss, who is Southern Ute, Southern Cheyenne and Caddo, lives in Durango, Colo. Hotchkiss struggled to find an outlet to help him continue his active lifestyle after the accident left him paralyzed from the waist down.

Struggling to find a program that fits his needs led him to adaptive sports, a program that allows athletes with disabilities to continue having an active lifestyle.

Hotchkiss is trying to create the same resource for Native Americans because he’s learned that there are almost no options for Native Americans who face the same obstacles.

“I want to use sports as a tool to impact and improve the lives of Natives with disabilities,” Hotchkiss said.
He plans on starting with a wheelchair basketball clinic because he believes it’s a good way to reach a lot of people and have fun at the same time.

The DreamStarter Project from Running Strong for American Indian Youth Wheelchair Basketball Clinic isn’t only for those in wheelchairs, it’s open to anybody. Whether they struggle with a leg or knee injury, weight issues or diabetes, people are welcome to come to the camp.

“We have to get to know each other and support each other,” Hotchkiss said. “Especially on the rez, everybody gets basketball. Once people see how fast and intense our games are, they’ll love wheelchair basketball.”