That's where his doctors told him to slow his active lifestyle to extend his lifespan. Gates said, smiling as he remembered the thought. So this tailor became a full-time athlete, who just happens to be confined to a wheelchair. Tennis is what he's clung to, joining Augusta's Marc Nadel on an Atlanta-based wheelchair team, the Peachtree Pacers. Gates embodies what these Georgia Games are about, giving athletes from all walks of life the necessary forum to compete.
Tennis is one of the eight events disabled athletes are able to enter.
Gates didn't need a medal to validate that. Unlike my brief foray with boxing Friday, mixed doubles tennis afforded a chance for insight and camaraderie. The only thing bruised Saturday was my ego. For some reason, every forehand swing felt like I was Mark McGwire taking aim at Fenway Park's Green Monster in the midst of a home run-hitting contest. To be honest, it's not easy to compete against a disabled athlete.