DreamMakers Youth Foundation | Reaching for the Stars, One Dream at a Time

Gavin Cloy, Paralympian

Gavin is a world-class paralympic wheelchair basketball player, with several years of experience in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) and international play. He was introduced to the sport shortly after losing his legs during a train accident in his early twenties. During the course of his recovery, he started playing wheelchair basketball, which has become an integral part of who he is. "When something as catastrophic as losing a limb occurs, you can go two directions, and only one of them is positive," Gavin shared. After three years of rehabilitation and numerous setbacks however, he found his inner strength, and "....the confidence to press ahead and, ultimately, excel."

Gavin is now recognized as one of the best wheelchair basketball players in the world. From 1998 - 2003, he attended the University of Illinois on a wheelchair basketball scholarship, where he majored in Kinesiology; he was a two-time All American, and graduated with a honors. He played on Team USA during the 2004 Paralympic Games, and in 2006, he won a Silver medal during the World Games in Amsterdam. He also played ball with the Milwaukee Wheelchair Bucks from 2004 - 2008, and continues to play with the Shepherd Steelers.

Gavin currently teaches Elementary Physical Education, where he demonstrates to his students daily, his abilities. He continues to compete both locally and nationally, and is very involved in the wheelchair sports community. He believes strongly in the importance of sports for all, and is passionate about introducing wheelchair sports to youth in chairs.

He is also interested and willing to share his experience and expertise with those who have any questions about what it's like to be disabled, to play wheelchair basketball, and even provide guidance for those who want to play.....so if you have any questions or concerns, just ASK GAVIN.