The United States Power Soccer Association (USPSA) is back, and will once again play November 1—once in the morning and once in the afternoon—on the Medtrade show floor. Medtrade 2016 will be held October 31–November 3 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
Power soccer is the first competitive team sport designed and developed specifically for power wheelchair users. Athletes’ disabilities include quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy and many others. The game is usually played in a gymnasium on a regulation basketball court. Two teams of four players attack, defend and spin-kick a 13-inch soccer ball in a skilled and challenging game similar to able-bodied soccer.
“If you put me in the fastest car on earth, I would not win the Indianapolis 500,” says Kevin Gaffney, group show director, Medtrade. “A great machine helps, but drivers win races. Much the same can be said of power soccer players. These are skilled individuals, and everyone who watched the power soccer demo back in 2014 can attest to that fact. I encourage Medtrade attendees to check out one of the two games this year.” MK Battery (Booth #1527) has been the main sponsor of U.S. Power Soccer for many years, and that is still the case.
In past games, the chairs fly across the floor and spin with whiplash force. This is a real sport with international competitions and dedicated players. Attendees on the Medtrade show floor got a chance to see the game up close back in 2014, and all who attended gained a new appreciation.
My advice is get to one of the two demo games if you can.
More Special Events at Medtrade 2016
Aside from the show floor and sessions synonymous with Medtrade, there are plenty of special events—such as power soccer—to take in, too. Below are a few options.
Monday, October 31
Audit Happy Hour
5:30–6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 1
First-Time Attendee Orientation
7:30–8 a.m.
AAHomecare Washington Update & Power Panel
8–9:45 a.m.
Innovative Retail Product Awards, sponsored by HomeCare
9–10 a.m.
Team USA Power Soccer Exhibitions
11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Medicare Update
1:30–2:30 p.m.
AAHomecare Stand Up for Homecare Reception (Metro Atlanta Chamber)
5:30–7 p.m.
Wednesday, November 2
Power Lunch
11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
Expo Hall Hours
Tuesday–Wednesday:
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
and Thursday:
10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Visit www.medtrade.com for details.
