The physical challenges of DMD haven’t dimmed my love of sports

In recognition of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month in September, the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Community Spotlight campaign features a series of stories highlighting the real-life experiences of people affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, written in their own words. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Pinterest for more stories like this, using the hashtag #MDSpotlight, or read the full series. 

As a young man living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), I deal with many physical challenges that make everyday tasks difficult. However, I have never let Duchenne take my love of sports from me, and I remain passionate about going to sporting events.

My dad played and now coaches Division 1 basketball, which helped to lay the groundwork for my brothers and me to play sports. Although I stopped playing during my childhood because of Duchenne, my love for sports continued to grow through our the trips around the country to watch sporting events. Thank you, mom and dad.

Tyus Hill attends a Dallas Stars hockey game. (Courtesy of Tyus Hill)

Our goal was to see every city where there was a Major League Baseball team and go to a home game at each stadium. To date, we’ve seen 29 of the 30 teams play home games in their cities. My older brother, Darius, played college baseball at West Virginia University and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs. Over the past eight years, we’ve traveled across the country to watch him play in many different stadiums as well.

Nowadays, I mostly go to local sporting events, whether it’s to a Dallas Stars hockey game, FC Dallas soccer, the University of North Texas (my alma mater), or Texas Rangers baseball games. At least one member of my family always joins me, and I appreciate that because it allows me to have a lot of fun with the people who spend so much time caring for me — without having to worry so much about Duchenne.

We can do these things together thanks to the teams that provide ADA seating so wheelchair users can enjoy watching sporting events. ADA tickets can be purchased in advance, but are often sold in higher-priced areas of the stadium or arena, in my experience. If you are unable to purchase ADA tickets in advance due to cost or limited availability, stadium guest services will gladly exchange standard tickets for ADA tickets to accommodate you. For example, when I go to Globe Life Field to see a Texas Rangers baseball game, I arrive with non-ADA tickets and then exchange them for ADA tickets at guest services once I’m there. They are always friendly, accommodating, and helpful.

Although I can’t play sports that I’m passionate about due to my disability, I’m still able to enjoy sports in person as a spectator because of the accommodations available to people with physical disabilities like me.