Southeast : BIG GAMES

The Land Sharks, Long Beach’s quadriplegic rugby team, may be taking their game to Atlanta in August. The Sharks are one of eight quad rugby teams in the state in this weekend’s regional competition at Long Beach City College.

Quad rugby, in which all participants have some degree of paralysis in all four limbs, sprang from wheelchair basketball and ice hockey. Once called “murderball,” it’s an aggressive, fast-moving game introduced in the United States from Canada in 1981.

The sport now has a statewide association and a national league. The ParaOlympics Committee has named it an exhibition sport for this summer’s games.

Two physical therapists at Long Beach Memorial Rehabilitation Hospital started the Sharks club about five years ago to help patients with spinal cord injuries. The hospital sponsors the team of 11 and provides help with coaching, staffing and transportation, said hospital spokeswoman Gwen Hennessey.