New wheelchair basketball program gives kids with physical disabilities a place to play, grow, and compete close to home

Eleven-year-old Jacob from Clearwater had never played basketball before he tried adaptive sports. Three years later, he's dribbling, passing, and competing as part of Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation's inaugural Youth Strong Dogs wheelchair basketball program. The Youth Strong Dogs is a basketball team for local athletes younger than 18 years old with physical disabilities, similar to the County's adult Strong Dogs team.

"I couldn't even dribble the ball at first," Jacob said. "But I really liked it. I started going to clinics, and I just kept getting better. Now, I'm glad that we don't have to travel so far to play."

Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation recently launched the Youth Strong Dogs program to create more opportunities for young athletes with disabilities to allow them to grow and compete in wheelchair basketball close to Tampa Bay. The department's leaders saw a need to develop a pipeline for younger players who were interested in wheelchair basketball but didn't have a place to start or play. The young athletes usually must travel to Orlando, Jacksonville, or other areas to find organized competition.

In a supportive environment, the Youth Strong Dogs program will help build the next generation of adaptive athletes by developing and strengthening their skills and confidence.

At six months, Jacob was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, a rare disease that attacks the spine which left him paralyzed. Despite this challenge, he has always been active and athletic. He played soccer, did swimming, and loves amusement parks. Jacob participated in gymnastics to build upper body strength.

And it worked.

Jacob walks through the halls of his middle school with crutches but transitions to the athletic wheelchair for basketball, which has become his passion.

"I'm happy I found something that I'm good at," Jacob said. "It's not just basketball. It's about being part of something and getting stronger."

Jacob is a member of the inaugural Hillsborough County Junior Strong Dogs wheelchair basketball team.
Jacob is a member of the inaugural Hillsborough County Junior Strong Dogs wheelchair basketball team.

Jason, Jacob's father, said the experience has been life changing.

"This is tremendous," Jason said. "It shows other kids and families that no matter your situation, there's something out there for you to try."

Jason also sees the program as part of a bigger movement to grow adaptive sports across Florida.

"There are not any colleges in Florida with wheelchair basketball programs right now," Jason said. "We're hoping that as more young athletes like Jacob get involved, that can change. This is a great start for him, for the team, and for all these kids with disabilities."

The Youth Strong Dogs program is not building just a team, but a community. It's a community that encourages strength, teamwork, and perseverance. Being a part of the team will build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills that will serve the members on and off the court.

"It starts a better generation," Jacob said.

For more information about adaptive sports and upcoming wheelchair basketball opportunities, visit HCFL.gov/Adaptive.

Article Image Caption: Members of the inaugural Hillsborough County Junior Strong Dogs wheelchair basketball team gather for practice at All People's Life Center. The program gives young athletes with physical disabilities the opportunity to build confidence, learn teamwork, and compete in adaptive sports.
Posted: 10/17/2025, 8:38:25 PM