Wheelchair to Warrior: The Real Impact of Wheelchair Rugby

We are super excited to have our first guest writer! Nick Pearce is the coach and player for the Denver Barbarians Wheelchair Rugby Club. The coolest part, Nick was recently awarded the Coach of the Year by the United States Wheelchair Rugby Association (USWRA)! Nick has been paving the way for the Denver Barbarians success and growth for their first HOME tournament in January 2026.

We are so excited for the team to start their season, and we can’t think of a better way to learn more about Wheelchair Rugby and the impact this sport has had on individuals- Thank you Nick for sharing your story and what Wheelchair Rugby has done for you!

-Enjoy!

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Wheelchair rugby is often called the toughest sport on wheels, but for me, it has been much more than a game. It has been a turning point, a teacher, and a pathway to leadership. It has improved my quality of life in ways I never imagined and opened the door to something far greater: the opportunity to be a fierce advocate for people with disabilities.

At first glance, it’s just a sport: fast, brutal, full of collisions and chaos. But for those of us who roll onto the court, it’s far more than that. It’s freedom. It’s community. It's independence. It’s power. Wheelchair rugby has given me more than I ever thought I’d find; it has improved my life, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. Every time I strap into my chair, I’m reminded that my disability does not define my limits. My strength does.

But the impact doesn’t stop at the goal line of the court. Wheelchair rugby has given me something I didn’t expect: a platform. In a world where people with disabilities are too often overlooked, underestimated, or left out of the conversation, this sport has opened doors for me to be seen, heard, and respected. It has made me a representative for a marginalized group that desperately needs strong leaders. It has given me a unique opportunity to be the voice for so many.

That responsibility is not something I take lightly. I know what it feels like to be pushed aside. I know what it feels like to wonder if society will ever see you as more than your wheelchair. And now, because of rugby, I have the opportunity, and the obligation, to change that. To speak up. To show the world that people with disabilities are not fragile or broken. We are warriors. We are competitors. We are leaders.

Wheelchair rugby has given me more than just a team; it has given me a family. A group of people who understand the fight, who embrace the grind, and who remind me every day that resilience is a gift we carry in our bones. It has given me a stage to inspire others, to lift those who feel unseen, and to pave the way for future generations of athletes with disabilities who will know from the start that they belong.

This is bigger than sport. This is bigger than me. This is about shattering stereotypes and proving that our community is powerful, united, and unstoppable. We don’t just play a game—we rewrite the rules of life.

Wheelchair rugby has given me something much and changed my life. And through it, I hope to help change the world for those living with disabilities. 

- Nick Pearce 

Denver Barbarians Wheelchair Rugby Club 

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If you are interested in learning more about the Denver Barbarians Wheelchair Rugby Club, -join, support, cheer on- Contact Coach Nick through Facebook or Instagram (links below).

Intrigued to try out this sport?— Join a practice! All equipment is provided & all abilities are welcome!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbarians_wheelchair_rugby/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092573891432

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