The national Ms. Wheelchair American competition has returned to Grand Rapids having been hosted here before.
In its 53rd year, the annual, week-long event celebrates the achievements of women who use wheelchairs for mobility.
“Ms. Wheelchair America is a competition, not a beauty pageant, but an advocacy-based competition. And together there are 22 women competing for the title of Ms. Wheelchair America.”
That’s Shanta Favors, who holds the Ms. Michigan title. All of the participants enter the competition with at least one similar goal: to advocate for the more than 61 million Americans living with disabilities.
“These are 22 women who advocate with clear goals, clear messages, that benefit the disability community, some impact more than the disability community, but extend to every person. These are genuine people with genuine stories, and they should be heard.”
Favors is a health care worker injured on the job, turned patient and advocate. She has been in Grand Rapids all week taking part in workshops on leadership advocacy and self care; they also got to explore Grand Rapids including Frederick Meijer Gardens and event partner, Mary Free bed Rehabilitation.
The competition ends with two events open to the public. Tonight, contestants deliver their platform speeches and Saturday, the winner is crowned. The events will be streamed live on the Mary Free Bed Facebook page.
