COMMENTARY: The Best Kept Secret in Town

The Best Kept Secret in Town

The Hollister Free Wheelers are a group of wheelchair athletes who play a sport called Power Soccer.  If you already know this, you are not alone … but you are among an elite few. The local team is currently in the middle of its 18th season. Several people have heard of them, some have actually attended games, and each year the organization has the privilege of introducing this sport to a few more people. But, according to Susan Jones, the team manager, it feels as though the community in general doesn’t know who they are or what they do.  

“And that’s a shame,” she says, “because it’s an amazing sport.”

They often travel for games, but a couple times a year, they have the chance to host home games. Currently they work in cooperation with the City of Hollister Recreation Department and the Hollister School District to use the gym at Marguerite Maze Middle School. The athletes do play on a basketball court, but unlike wheelchair basketball, they play in power driven chairs. It is the only team sport designed for individuals who do not have full use of their upper extremities. But they are quick to point out that this is not just a “feel good” activity. “It’s an exciting and fast-paced game that is a lot of fun to watch,” says coach Don Jones.

They have celebrated many successes since they began a dozen and a half years ago. Six athletes have been awarded sports letters and jackets from San Benito High School for time on the team, which then inspired another player to campaign for, and obtain, a letter as well from her high school in Salinas. The team has brought home 12 trophies overall including six national championships. Two of the players competed on an international level with the U.S. team that won both of the first two World Cup Championships, and countless sportsmanship and most valuable player honors have been awarded to members of the Hollister Free Wheelers.

The positive outcomes go beyond the trophy case, however. They have had individuals improve their health and even fight back from life-threatening illnesses to compete with the team. They’ve had some give up their dependency on prescription drugs or alcohol in order to stay fresher while playing. Beyond the court, they’ve had players go on to succeed in a wide variety of outside interests, and some have completed their college degrees and/or have pursued meaningful careers that fulfill their passions. More recently, the Free Wheelers have had members of their team get married and start families, and all of the athletes have found a community of people where being different just means being true to yourself.

Since Jones and his wife, Susan, began this program nearly two decades ago, they have dedicated a great deal of their time and energy to creating an environment that allows these individuals (some who come from other counties to play on the Hollister team) to enjoy being part of the team with as little distractions as possible. With no ongoing funding resource, they are on their own to cover the costs of the program. They conduct fundraising activities through their non-profit organization known as S.H.A.R.P. (Specialized Hollister Activities and Recreation Programs).  Susan says she tries to find ways to raise money and awareness at the same time. 

With that in mind, she has created two events that are happening this season:  One of them is called, “Make Every Dollar Count.” This one has already begun. The idea is that the anticipated costs this season add up to about $30,000. If 30,000 people gave the team $1 each, the group would have what they need to cover the costs of supplies, equipment, and travel for this season. As an added incentive, S.H.A.R.P. is offering a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card (one entry for every dollar donated). 

The second event has been named a “Traveling Silent Auction.” This is the third year for this event and is one of Susan’s favorites. The concept is that items are donated by local businesses and anyone can bid on these items during the auction dates.  The twist to this story is that the bid sheets are located at the businesses themselves. Individuals who wish to bid on, and try to win, an item must visit the participating merchant.  “This gets people in the door of the businesses who are being so generous to our program,” Susan says. “It’s a nice way to give back to them immediately and give them direct recognition for their part in our fundraising efforts.” 

Businesses in Hollister like Autoworks, BCT Hobby & Craft, Bel Amour Pet Spa, McKinnon Lumber, Off The Chain, Radio Shack, San Benito Bene, and San Juan Oaks Golf Club, plus Mission Clocks of San Juan Bautista have been loyal participants since the first year and will be part of this again this year. The team is also welcoming back some of those who joined this event last year including Barone’s Florist, Union Bank (downtown Hollister) and Victoria’s Treasures (San Juan).  Additionally, this year they’re happy to include in their event: Eclectic Treasures, Heavenly Bakery, Hollister Muffler, La Catrina, Precious Petals, She’s, Starz, Natural Wonders (San Juan), and Robin Combs and John Oates, who both run businesses at the Bear Flag Gallery in San Juan Bautista.  

“It’s a nice variety, and the list keeps growing,” Susan says. “This gives the bidders lots of opportunities to win some great prizes.”   

For a complete list of vendors and gifts to win, look for flyers posted around town starting March 20, check out the Facebook page for The Hollister Free Wheelers, or contact Susan and Don Jones for more details on this, or any of the teams’ events, at: hollisterpowersoccer@ymail.com or by calling 831-636-3271.  Tax deductible donations can also be mailed directly to: S.H.A.R.P., 1481 Versailles Dr., Hollister, 95023