Playing for more than just bragging rights, two wheelchair basketball teams representing Army and Navy veterans will hit the hardwood Nov. 12 to help raise awareness for those with disabilities and celebrate veterans in the community.

The second-annual University of Michigan Army-Navy Wheelchair Basketball game is the final event of U-M’s Investing in Ability Week, a more than weeklong recognition of the talents and skills of those with disabilities. The game is also part of the U-M’s Veterans Day celebration and is scheduled for the day after Veterans Day.

Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. at Saline High School, 1300 Campus Parkway, in Saline. The game, which is free to attend and open to the public, will feature official wheelchair basketball players, U-M and Eastern Michigan University student veterans, U-M ROTC students and other veterans in the community.

“This is an opportunity to showcase the abilities of those with disabilities,” says Gerald Hoff, the event’s organizer and insurance verification representative at U-M. “And at the same time, we get to recognize all veterans -- those with and without disabilities. It’s exciting.”

Prior to the game, a police and military motorcade will provide transportation for participants and spectators to and from the game. The motorcade, which includes free public, wheelchair accessible buses, will leave the Michigan Union, 530 S. State St., at 12:10 p.m. and arrive at Saline High School at 12:30 p.m. U.S. Rep. John Dingell will serve as the motorcade’s Grand Marshal.

Other event highlights include:

• Informational tables with representatives from Veterans Affairs, Paralyzed Veterans of America and Veterans Haven.
• National Anthem performance by the 338th Army Band
• Performances during the game and at halftime from the U-M Dance Team
• Various games and activities for children

Event Information
Date: Saturday, Nov. 12
Start Time: 12:10 p.m., motorcade begins in Ann Arbor; 1 p.m., tip-off of game at Saline High School
Location: Michigan Union; Saline High School, 1300 Campus Parkway, in Saline

For more information about this event, please contact Gerald Hoff at 734-936-8177 or ghoff@med.umich.edu.

About Investing in Abilities: For more than 20 years, the Council for Disability Concerns has been offering a variety of events and presentations in October to celebrate the accomplishments of people with disabilities and to educate the University community on important issues related to disability.
 

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