Team USA Athletes With Ties To Mary Free Bed Shine In 2024 Paralympics

The 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris kicked off with an inspiring opening ceremony, and among the athletes representing Team USA are five individuals with strong ties to Grand Rapids. These athletes, who have all spent time at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, are set to showcase their talents on the world stage.

The local athletes include para-triathlete Grace Norman, para-cyclist Kate Brim, hand cyclist Matt Tingley, wheelchair basketball player John Boie, and goalball player Tyler Merren. Each of them has either participated in specialty programs at Mary Free Bed or has been part of the hospital’s adaptive sports teams.

Mary Free Bed's adaptive sports programs are designed to provide opportunities for individuals living with disabilities to engage in competitive sports. These programs serve as a stepping stone for many athletes, offering the tools and training needed to compete at the highest levels, such as the Paralympics.

For Brim and Tingley, this will be their first Paralympic appearance. Brim, who discovered the program while receiving care at Mary Free Bed, credits the hospital with helping her achieve her dream of becoming a Paralympian. Merren, a Greenville native, is a seasoned competitor, heading to his fifth Paralympic Games in goalball. Norman is set for her third appearance, and Boie will be competing in his second Games.

The 2024 Paralympic Games officially kick off Thursday and run through September 8th. As these athletes take on the world, their journey from Mary Free Bed to the Paralympics is a testament to their dedication and the impact of adaptive sports programs in West Michigan.

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These athletes represent not just Team USA but also the spirit of determination and community support that Grand Rapids is known for.