Below is a list of Board members that helped start ParaSport and continue to be an integral part of the organization.  Please click on the link below to view each board members profile.

**To see the information for each board member click on blue bar to expand or collapse the profile area.

   

Willie Jackson - President

 

Title: President Willie Jackson excelled in Football and Baseball throughout his High School years in Austin Texas. Willie had a promising sports career ahead of him when he was accidentally shot by a friend at age 19. Overnight the dreams a being a professional athlete were shattered. Willie barely survived the gunshot wound which ensured that he would spend the rest of his life as a paraplegic.  Recovering mentally and physically was aided by wheelchair sports. In time and thanks to daily conditioning and exercising Willie became a phenomenal wheelchair athlete. He excelled in wheelchair basketball and was selected to try out for the Mens' USA wheelchair basketball team. Today Willie is the driving force behind Wreckers Inc. dba ParaSports.   At the age 47, Willie continues to play.  However, recently his focus has shifted from being the point guard to being a full-time coach.  Willie's  goal is to train wheelchair athletes and to educate the community about wheelchair sports as well as the achievements of people with disabilities.  Willie is a National Wheelchair Basketball (NWBA) Official.

   

Mike Hernandez - Vice President

Title: Vice President Mike is a single parent who lives in Austin Texas with his 2 children. Mike was a truck driver for 20 years when a near fatal work related accident broke his spine in 3 places. After a lengthy recovery Mike was left a walking paraplegic with little to no sensation in his lower extremities. After the accident Mike was introduced to wheelchair sports by the owner of a wheelchair store. Mike quickly excelled at wheelchair basketball and became an impressive forward due to his size and physical ability. Mike is a quiet gentle giant who in a soft spoken manner enjoys teaching the younger wheelchair athletes. Mike is always ready to give a teammate a ride or help load equipment. Over the last 20 years Mike has become a household name in the Texas wheelchair basketball community and has earned everyones recognition.

   

Lorenzo Thompson -Secretary/Treasurer

Title: Secratary/Treasurer Lorenzo Thompson Jr. is lovingly nicknamed the old man. This title is rightfully earned due to the fact that at the age of 64 he is still wheeling to play. Lorenzo grew up in Austin Texas and obtained a Business Degree at Texas Southern University in Houston. He joined the US Navy and enjoyed an administrative position which allowed him to travel on international tours. Upon leaving the Navy Lorenzo held a position as postal worker in Dallas Texas where 22 years ago his life took a dramatic turn when he was shot as an innocent bystander to a dispute. Lorenzo became a paraplegic and relocated to Austin where he became one of the founders of the Texas Paralyzed Veterans chapter. Wheelchair sports came naturally to the athletic Lorenzo who continuous to participate religiously in the yearly Veteran Games. Lorenzo is nationally known as an excellent wheelchair basketball guard who rarely misses a shot. It is truly a treat to see the old man in action on the court!