Given their organization's longtime involvement in various community programs -- in addition to their recent success on the basketball court -- it is entirely rewarding for the Hall of Fame to recognize the Michigan Thunderbirds as the 2003 Male Athletes of the Year.

The Michigan Thunderbirds advanced to the National Championship game at the 55th Annual National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament (NWBT) in March 2003, falling to the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks in the title game. The Thunderbirds, ranked fourth nationally entering the tournament, toppled the top-ranked and defending champion Milwaukee Bucks to advance to the championship game.

Several individuals earned special recognition this past year. Pat Anderson was named to the NWBT All-Tournament Team and was again selected to the Canadian National Team. Matt Scott played on the U.S. Junior Team at the Australian Junior National Tournament. He was also a member of the Sterling Heights Challengers which won a second consecutive Junior National Championship Tournament; Matt was the MVP at the 2003 Junior National Tournament.

In addition to their success on the court, the Thunderbirds have been actively involved in handcycling, and the team participates in numerous community events in an effort to educate the public about wheelchair sports. Through the support of sponsors and the donated time of its team members, the Thunderbirds also strive to contribute to the success of other organizations providing athletic opportunities to people with disabilities.