Sportable to host River City Classic wheelchair basketball tournament March 12-13

Sportable, an adaptive sports club, will host its River City Classic wheelchair basketball tournament, presented by the Paralyzed Veterans of America Mid-Atlantic Chapter, March 12-13. The event, held at RockIt Sports in Henrico, will feature the Sportable Rim Riders and a dozen Division II and Division III teams from the East Coast.

“We are grateful to our community partners, Paralyzed Veterans of America Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Richmond Region Tourism, and RockIt Sports, who are committed to bringing a competitive adult wheelchair basketball tournament back to RVA," said Sportable Executive Director Hunter Leemon.

Founded in 1981, the Rim Riders have been led by head coach Jimmy May for more than 40 years. Sportable and the Rim Riders team members plan to honor him by presenting the “Jimmy May Grit Award” to the player who exhibits an indomitable spirit throughout the weekend.

“More than his many decades of participation and coaching, it is Mr. May’s never ending dedication and passion that sets him apart,” Ivan Schwartz, Paralyzed Veterans of America Mid-Atlantic Chapter executive director.  “His energy is non-stop when it comes to supporting and encouraging sports and recreation for his fellow Veterans and non-Veterans alike.”

Said Leemon: “We look forward to honoring Sportable Rim Riders Head Coach Jimmy May, whose vision and leadership has put Richmond at the forefront of wheelchair basketball for decades. We are proud to celebrate his decorated tenure and the impact that he has had on the sport at the local, regional, and national levels.”

A disabled Army veteran of the Vietnam War and a Purple Heart recipient, May started his wheelchair basketball career with the Richmond Charioteers nearly five decades ago (1973-1981) before establishing the Rim Riders. The team merged with Sportable in 2017 and is a Division II member of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. The Sportable Rim Riders are currently ranked 11th in the country, with the top 16 teams qualifying for the national tournament this spring.

The River City Classic will tip off on Saturday, March 12 with action beginning at 8:30 a.m. and continuing on three courts throughout the day. The tournament will conclude with championship games on Sunday, March 13. All games will take place at RockIt Sports, 3001 East Parham Road, and are free for the public to attend.

To learn more about the River City Classic including sponsorship opportunities, contact Tournament Director Forrest Lodge at forrest@sportable.org.