The Hearts of Camp No Limits

“Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.” - Kevin Durant

Ryan Fitzpatrick was born without his right leg above the knee. He determined early in his life that he was not a kid with a disability, but a kid with the ability to inspire others. At 16 years old, Ryan has already achieved his goal of “inspiring people through sports and show them that you can achieve any goal through hard work.”

Ryan started playing sports, using a prosthetic leg for kids, when he was 6 years old. He played lacrosse, soccer and basketball. He was determined that his limb difference would not impact his ability to play team sports with his friends. He played – a lot!

While attending a Camp No Limits Camp in Connecticut in the 8th grade, Ryan was exposed to wheelchair basketball for the first time, by CNL volunteer Corrales Dupree. Ryan loved it, and it has now become his favorite sport, as wheelchair basketball “leveled out the playing field.” Ryan and his Ryan Martin Foundation Trojans team excel at it. They practice once a week and play in frequent weekend tournaments throughout the United States. The Trojans even made it to the Nationals in his first two years of playing!

Ryan thrived while attending Camp No Limits camps. Not only did he learn a lot at the Occupational and Physical therapy sessions, but most importantly, he learned, through peer group discussions, how to feel comfortable with yourself. As Ryan wisely says: “it’s not about what makes me different, but the difference I am going to make.”

Ryan is now making a difference. A big one. He is mentoring other kids with limb differences at Camp No Limits, volunteering his time to do it. He teaches these kids not just about wheelchair basketball, but also about life lessons.

Camp No Limits exposed him to a sport which has changed his life. He is now using that sport to help change the lives of others. His fanbase continues to grow, as he lives his life inspiring others. You can learn more about Ryan’s remarkable life on Instagram @rjfitz13

Post written by Bill Potts