Rancho Halos Division I Adult team at Nationals in Wichita, Kansas
The Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center (Rancho) Halos Wheelchair Basketball Program, established in 1987, provides physically disabled adults and children the opportunity to participate in success-oriented and competitive wheelchair sports activities. The program provides opportunities and assists each participant in the development of lifetime physical fitness and skill development behaviors, while also emphasizing a high standard of academic achievement that is woven into every practice and competition. The adult wheelchair sports program is sponsored by the Rancho Los Amigos Foundation and the pediatric wheelchair sports program is sponsored by Las Floristas. Both organizations provide continuous support to ensure that teams are given the opportunity to excel and flourish.
This year, the adult program competed at the Division I level which is considered the “NBA of wheelchair basketball” and highly competitive. There were twenty teams in total that registered for the 2022/2023 season with the majority having sponsorships and support from their local NBA teams. Standing prideful on their own and with no NBA affiliations, the Rancho Halos finished off the season taking 5th place nationally! Rancho is proud of both teams for representing Rancho and their amazing accomplishments this season.
Go RANCHO HALOS!!
The pediatric program and adult program recently participated in the 75th National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament in Wichita, Kansas. The pediatric program entered the tournament at 16th place and finished the season in 16th place after competing against the top 16 teams out of 52 teams in the Nation. The team had a great experience playing against the best teams around the world and they are excited to work hard this summer to be in the top 10 next season.
The Rancho wheelchair sports program continues to impact the athletes and their families in a manner that offers hope, strength and independence. Jonathan Garcia who is one of Rancho’s Division I athletes’ said, “The Rancho Wheelchair Sports Program has helped me transition from being a kid to an adult. I have enjoyed being a part of the Division I team and competing against the best wheelchair basketball athletes in the world. It has been eye-opening experience for me and I am so appreciative for the opportunity. My family is also very appreciative of the wheelchair sports program and has cheered me on at every game I’ve competed in”.
For more information on the programs and services at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, please visit www.rancho.org
Tiffany Yonemoto- Recreation Therapist and Coordinator of the Rancho Wheelchair Sports Program 562-385-6322 / tyonemoto@dhs.lacounty.gov
