MSU
When power lifter Mary Stack isn't bench pressing 260 pounds, she's pushing her motorized wheelchair.
While 4-foot-9 Stack is able to walk, she uses a wheelchair because of a disorder that affects her balance.
Stack is an athlete, coach and volunteer for the 32nd Michigan Victory Games, which are being held on campus this weekend.
The Michigan Disability Sports Alliance, or MiDSA, hosts the games, which provide recreational and competitive sports opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
A 2001 inductee into the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame, Stack said she never would have been in sports if she hadn't started as an athlete in the games at 16.
While Stack, 33, wants to continue to compete, she also enjoys watching from the sidelines as a coach and volunteer.
"To see the expressions on the kids' faces when they complete a course, beat somebody in track or do something they didn't think they could do - it's really cool."
About 80 athletes ranging from ages 7 to 70 will compete this year, said Stella Husch, director of the games.
"A lot of times, individuals with disabilities don't have the opportunities to prove themselves or to negate stereotypes.