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Timo Schmiesing – That's how he rolls

Out and about in sports: basketball, tennis and inclusion

25.07.2024

Whether basketball or tennis – sports are a central part of Timo Schmiesing's life. That's why inclusion and better supply of assistive devices are particularly important to him, both in everyday life and in sports. What other aids he would like to have and how he rolls otherwise, he tells us at REHACARE.com.
Photo: Timo Schmiesing playing wheelchair basketball; Copyright: Uli Gasper
Name: Timo Schmiesing
Age: 13
City: Wesseling, Germany
Occupation: Pupil
Disability: Complex deformity since birth

What makes a day a good day to you?

Timo Schmiesing: Doing sports or meeting up with friends.

Which day or moment in your life do you particularly like to remember? And why?

Timo Schmiesing: Joint team evening 2024 at the ITF tournament in Kokke with a return trip with music and lots of fun.

What has been the biggest challenge in your life so far and how did you overcome it?

Timo Schmiesing: It's difficult to do justice to school and sport at the same time.


Which assistive devices are indispensable for you in everyday life and why?

Timo Schmiesing: Wheelchair, because otherwise I'm not mobile.


If you could invent your own assistive device, what would it look like and what would it have to be able to do?

Timo Schmiesing: A simple and always available device for climbing stairs.

Gif animation: REHACARE 2026 from 23 to 26 September 2026 in Düsseldorf/Germany, linked to "More information about the Trade Fair"
Photo: Timo Schmiesing playing wheelchair tennis; Copyright: Stefan Brendahl

Timo Schmiesing brings the necessary team spirit to basketball and the sought-after lone fighter mentality to the court in tennis.

What do you wish for from society and your fellow human beings in dealing with people with disabilities?

Timo Schmiesing: More matter-of-factness and less gawking when dealing with people with disabilities. And faster and easier provision of good aids – especially for sports.

If nothing were impossible: Who would you like to meet, what place would you like to visit or what time would you like to experience? And why? 

Timo Schmiesing:

  1. Kobe Bryant – train with him, talk to him and learn from him
  2. Miami – to experience the lifestyle
  3. About 10 to 15 years earlier to follow the NBA in its prime


Are there certain topics or initiatives relating to people with disabilities that are particularly close to your heart?

Timo Schmiesing: INCLUSION! All initiatives that promote inclusion in sport and everyday life.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.

Timo Schmiesing: I used to read a lot.


What significance does REHACARE have for you?

Timo Schmiesing: Meeting new people and discovering new assistive devices.

Nadine Lormis smiles in to the camera; Copyright: Victoria Emanuel

Editor: Nadine Lormis | REHACARE eMag

Nadine Lormis has been writing about (digital) developments in the assistive technology sector, self-determined living and inclusion for over 15 years. As editorial director of the REHACARE eMag, she is closely networked with the community of people with disabilities and chronic illnesses – both professionally and personally.

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