Boston Volt Hockey players removed from flight in Denmark because of wheelchairs
Two disabled athletes from Massachusetts were removed from an airplane due to their wheelchairs. The hockey team is finally back in Boston after the end of their trip abroad on a sour note.
It was a pride and smiles, bringing the bronze back to the house for the Boston Whiplash Volt Hockey Team at the Malmo Open international parasport competition.
But this top turned into humiliation and confusion for Marley Robinson and Desi strong when the disabled athletes were forced to leave their flight from Denmark in their wheelchairs.
“A little disgusted, I mean that so many disabled people must go through this horrible thing all the time and it’s just not correct,” said Marley Robinson through tears.
The airline said the wheelchairs were too heavy
A few minutes before taking off their Scandinavian Airlines, Desi, Marley and their coach were invited to get off the plane because their 400 pound wheelchairs were suddenly too heavy.
“They started to tell us that it was because of the weight of the chair, and we were still a little confused because we literally took exactly the same plane in Copenhagen in Boston, no problem,” said Robinson.
United States Association Volt Hockey
The women waited for 24 hours in Copenhagen to get answers.
“I did not know if I was going to have enough drugs to do the rest of the time not knowing when this return flight would be,” said Desi Forte.
They were finally referred and returned home Thursday; Their plane was the same size as the one they were forced.
“We should not have to go through it, we are completely exhausted, we have to go so much to prepare for flights,” said Robinson.
“Our sincere apologies”
SAS Airlines says it was a misunderstanding on a special license that is necessary for heavier wheelchairs to go on the plane, affirming in a statement in part: “We are deeply regretting the impact that Has on their trip and immediately examine our procedures to guarantee this will not happen again.
“People with disabilities deserve all the same things as everyone can do,” said coach Laura Calderon.
Although the excuses are appreciated, they hope that the airline would do better, especially since sport continues to grow.
“Being handicapped in an unabled world, the number of capacities you face on a daily basis is sometimes astounding,” said strong.
