Oregon State University has received a $3,000 grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation to purchase equipment for the university’s wheelchair basketball club, OSU’s only adapted sports club team.
“We couldn’t be more excited,” said Kerri Vanderbom, an OSU doctoral student in the movement studies in disability program and treasurer for the student-run club team. “With the Reeve Foundation’s generous grant, we will be able to purchase three new sport wheelchairs.”
Vanderbom, who was born with spina bifida, has been an active member of the team since its creation in 2008 by former students in the movement studies in disability program. A collegiate skier while completing her bachelor’s degree at California State University-Chico, Vanderbom knows first-hand the benefits of team sports for all athletes.
“Participation empowers students with disabilities, enabling them to develop new skills, improve self-confidence, and help reach their personal potential,” she explained. “The basketball team provides students with disability the opportunity to play in sports with friends, peers and other students without disabilities.”
The team, which is open to disabled and able-bodied students alike, practices year around and participates in tournaments and games in the fall, winter and spring terms.
Read full press release…
In the news:
KMTR-TV, July 11, 2012 (transcript)
KMTR interview
OSU Wheelchair Basketball Club in action during May 2012 tournament
