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The Pittsbugh Steelwheelers organization began in the mid 1970's when four men decided to turn a dream into a reality. The interest of forming a wheelchair basketball team in the Pittsburgh area was an idea shared concurrently amongst several individuals. Vietnam veterans at the Disabled American Veterans (Cliff Stricker, Dan Barry, Mike Walsh) and the Paralyzed Veterans of America (Joe Kiren, Vic McCoy) were plotting thoughts of a competitive sports team for servicemen with disabilities. In the meantime, interest was stirring at the university of Pittsburgh where public meetings were held to solicit interest from students with disabilities to organize a wheelchair sports team. The PVA members and Sikora connected with another private citizen (Bob Mellinger) and met at his residence to further the concept. Barry and Walsh meanwhile were attending the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) whereby a young, inspiring instructor/coach by the name of Bill Shay offered his hand and knowledge. With the combined financial and administrative support of the PVA, DAV, and CCAC, the Steelwheelers were offered a physical site for practice and purchase of practice uniforms. Through the tutorial leadership of Shay twice weekly practices soon began at CCAC. During a break in the action of one of those practices a discussion broke out regarding the need to formally compose the organization thus leading to a decision on the Steelwheelers name. (Bill Domboski) Steelwheelers adopted organizational objectives to: * develop a program of physical activity to benefit the persons with physical disabilities * improve leisure, recreational and sporting skills for persons with disabilities * educate the public about acceptance and employment of persons with disabilities * educate and encourage individuals with disabilities to achieve maximum use of their abilities * expand the concept of total rehabilitation of persons with disabilities by providing incentives through involvement and competition in wheelchair sports * gain acknowledgement and respect from the community as being wheelchair athletes
