LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Eighteen teams from across the U.S. are in Louisville this weekend competing in the seventh annual Paralyzed Veterans of America’s (PVA) Rugby Invitational. 

Howell Smith, 38, who goes by the nickname “Scrap” going back to his time in the Navy, said wheelchair rugby has filled his life for the last eight years. 

“It takes a couple of years to actually learn the sport,” Smith said. “The moment you get on the court, you find out that you fall in love with it.” 

It’s a sport he didn’t think about before his accident that left him paralyzed. 

“Growing up in New York, most of the guys, or my friends I should say, we all played basketball, street ball,” Smith said. “Growing up in the Bronx, that was the sport of choice for the most part.” 

The veteran’s spinal cord injury affects all four limbs; however, he said a sport like wheelchair rugby and having PVA’s support helps him overcome several barriers. Those barriers can be for the simplest things non-disabled people may not consider, such as getting in and out of bed. 

Being around his teammates paired with his foundation from the military drew him out of dark days.

“It gets you around other people that are in the same situation as you,” Smith said. “You learn how they do things and how I do things. Sometimes, you realize that there might be an easier way for you to do something.” 

Smith has come far in his recovery journey.

“You have help along the way, but at the end of the day, it’s where you want to see yourself and where you’re going to take yourself,” Smith said. “You have to realize that it’s on you to do those things.” 

The teams play in three divisions in a round-robin style competition. The winner of each division will be awarded the Code of Honor Cup.