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Antonio Hoempler – That's how he rolls

Festivals and skateboards

21.09.2022

Whether it's festivals or downhill skateboarding – Antonio Hoempler loves action and adaptive sports. He also enjoys riding his handbike. With the support of friends and assistive devices, he can pursue his many interests. How he rolls otherwise, he tells us on REHACARE.com.
Photo: Antonio Hoempler doing downhill skateboarding; Copyright: Antonio Hoempler
Name: Antonio Hoempler
Age: 37
City: Hamburg, Germany
Occupation: Student, Clinical psychologist

What makes a day a good day to you?

Antonio Hoempler: Pursuing something that interests me, e.g., friends, being in nature, sports, music, food.

Which auxiliary means or daily living aids are indispensable for you?

Antonio Hoempler: Wheelchair with handbike in the front to get everywhere well and quickly.

What would you like to see from society and your fellow people in dealing with people with disabilities?

Antonio Hoempler: More inclusion and less discrimination and more knowledge about disability, normalization and destigmatization.

Gif animation: REHACARE 2025 from 17 to 20 September 2025 in Düsseldorf/Germany, linked to "More information about the Trade Fair"
Photo: Antonio Hoempler doing a stunt with a waterboard; Copyright: Antonio Hoempler.

Antonio Hoempler is at his happiest when he can spend his day doing something he enjoys, such as sports. He especially likes skating, but he is also passionate about water sports.

Which assistive device would urgently need to be invented and/or improved?

Antonio Hoempler: My high wheelchair for festivals, with which I am as tall as my actual height when sitting (187cm).

What has been your biggest challenge so far that you have mastered – and what has helped you?

Antonio Hoempler: Inventing and mastering a sports discipline. Downhill skateboarding while sitting. This required years of training, and development of the sports equipment with the help of many tinkerers and friends. In 2020 I then drove a professional race track at the KNK Longboardcamp.

If nothing was impossible: Who would you like to meet one day and why?

Antonio Hoempler: A weekend at the Fusion festival with Gregor Gysi :)

What was your best REHACARE experience?

Antonio Hoempler: Test driving all the handbikes.

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