Kathmandu: American expertise and Nepali talent came together in Kathmandu this week for the U.S.–Nepal Wheelchair Rugby Exhibition Match, highlighting the growing role of adaptive sports in promoting inclusion, athlete development and international cooperation.
Organised by the Wheelchair Rugby Association of Nepal and Bodhisattvas in Action Nepal, the event brought together a five-member U.S. delegation led by Steve Kearley, head coach of the USA Wheelchair Rugby Low Point Team. The delegation shared expertise in coaching, athlete development and rehabilitation, supporting efforts to strengthen wheelchair rugby in Nepal.
Kearley first visited Nepal in 2023 through an initiative under the U.S. Department of State’s Global Sports Mentoring Program. His visit helped introduce wheelchair rugby to the country and foster partnerships with local organisations to develop the sport.
U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Chief Mike Harker also attended the exhibition match, recognising the contributions of Nepali alumni of U.S. government exchange programmes in advancing adaptive sports.
The event demonstrated how international exchanges and sports partnerships can create opportunities for athletes with disabilities while strengthening people-to-people ties between Nepal and the United States.
Through the exchange of knowledge and experience, the initiative aims to support the development of adaptive sports and expand opportunities for athletes in both countries.
