With “Tommy and the Great Basketball Adventure,” Thomas Böhme brings a story to the Leica world that draws heavily on his own experiences. Tommy is in a wheelchair and wants one thing above all else: to play basketball. But at first, the other kids won’t let him join in. Still, giving up is out of the question for him. He pursues his dream and discovers what’s possible when you believe in yourself and have people by your side who support you.

Thomas Böhme knows the passion for wheelchair basketball from his own experience. He discovered the sport at age 11, and by 14 he was already playing in the Bundesliga. Today, he is one of Germany’s most successful wheelchair basketball players, a key player for the German record-holding champion RSV Lahn-Dill from Wetzlar, and a bronze medalist with the national team at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. With his children’s book, he wants to encourage young readers to believe in their own potential and not let supposed limitations hold them back.

After the roughly one-hour reading, it’s not just about listening: If the weather is good, the children can try out a sports wheelchair themselves, pick up the ball, and experience what wheelchair basketball is all about. The story becomes action, curiosity turns into a personal experience—and the message “Dreams know no limits” becomes a shared experience.

If the fall weather doesn’t cooperate, the journey of discovery will continue at Leica Welt. During a museum scavenger hunt, young visitors can explore the world of photography in a playful way, take a closer look, and discover new things. Following the reading, there will also be an opportunity to purchase “Tommy and the Great Basketball Adventure” and have it signed by Thomas Böhme in person.

The event will take place on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at Leica World Wetzlar and is aimed at elementary school-aged children and their accompanying adults. The reading will last about an hour; afterward, there will be time for the hands-on program featuring wheelchair basketball—or, in case of bad weather, a museum scavenger hunt—as well as a book sale and signing session. Participation is free of charge, but space is limited. To help us plan more effectively, each child and each accompanying adult must register with their own free ticket. 

About Thomas Böhme

Thomas Böhme is a wheelchair basketball player, Paralympic medalist, children’s book author, and has been the captain of Germany’s record-holding champion team, RSV Lahn-Dill from Wetzlar, for many years. Wheelchair basketball has been a part of his life since he was eleven—from his first experiences on the court to winning a bronze medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. In “Tommy and the Great Basketball Adventure,” he channels his passion for the sport into a story for children and weaves in a message that extends far beyond the court: to believe in your own dreams and have the courage to try new things.