Adrian, MI – Mike Ballard, a 2007 Adrian College Graduate, is making the best of a challenging situation as he trains for the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
The former AC baseball player… who has a background in high school football and wrestling… decided to join a rugby league in the Middle East, after he applied to transfer there for his job teaching vocational education to teens with autism getting ready for their first job.
In 2014, while playing for the Abu Dhabi Harlequins rugby team, Ballard was tackled during a high-level tournament game, resulting in a broken back that left him paralyzed. From there, Ballard endured surgeries, and a year and a half rehabilitation process in Grand Rapids.
Ballard watched the 2016 Summer Olympics and was instantly intrigued on how to become a part of the Paralympics. As a Michigan native and previously being a kayak tour guide, he realized that kayaking would be his best opportunity.Ballard plans on staying in Abu Dhabi to continue his training for the 2024 Paralympics.
Tune into our local and state newscasts, anytime day or night, for this story and more.
#wlenradio #wlennews #lenaweenews
*Media submitted to WLEN News by Claire Simpson, Digital Media Coordinator at Adrian College*