This Carolina Stories production follows the experiences of six South Carolina natives as they embark on journeys of acceptance and communal joy. Spokes and Strings: Wheelchair Tennis introduces us to Tom, Bob, Dave, Sarah, Israel, and Joey and their relationships with wheelchairs. While their physical autonomy may have become limited, their passion to enjoy life could not be obstructed or broken down. Proximity to other athletes in wheelchairs and exposure to their strength and persistence turns tennis into more than a game for them. As such, each of their stories come to echo the same tune: the importance of human connection and camaraderie outweighs even the loss of limbs.
For each of these six individuals, wheelchair tennis has become an extension of themselves, creating some form of solace for each of them. Whether it is an outlet for frustration or the fulfillment of athletic aspirations, tennis offers itself equally to everyone, eliminating the division between disabled and able-bodied players. Even small details like able-bodied players who play with tennis balls in their pockets are paralleled by wheelchair players with tennis balls in their spokes.
