Walking out on the beach may be easy for most people, but for those living with a disability, it can be difficult to have the same experience. Topsail Beach police are allowing the disabled to have the same access to the sand with the help of a beach wheelchair. Fully outfitted with heavy duty wheels and an umbrella, this chair can roll right into the water. A few regulars use the chair, but more people are being invited to take advantage of these wheels. Topsail Beach Police Chief Ricky Smith said, "People are extremely excited that they can actually take some of their folks that hadn't been able to get down to the water, out to the water, so they really appreciate it." The beach Wheelchairs is available for free seven days a week to anyone with a disability.
The Special Wheelchair tennis is played by individuals with different types of motor disabilities who operate a wheelchair. Court, equipment and rules are exactly the same as ordinary tennis, with the only exception that the ball may bounce two times with a ground stroke. A tennis player in a wheelchair can play against an unimpaired player without any problem. Elite players use essentially the same repertoire of strokes as in ordinary tennis. The ground stroke also has an equivalent power and depth. However, the two-handed grip is not used, since the player must use one hand to steer the wheelchair.
