University to Field a Wheelchair Basketball Team
The University of New Mexico has announced a new agreement with the Associated Students for Empowerment that will enable the Albuquerque All Kings Wheelchair Basketball team to utilize Johnson Center free of charge. As part of the agreement, a monthly clinic for interested UNM students will be conducted as part of the scheduled team practice.
Photo (l. to r.): Katryn Fraher, President David J. Schmidly and Jake Schmalzriedt sign a new agreement allowing the All Kings Wheelchair basketball team to practice at Johnson Gym.
An effort will be made to solicit and attract members of the UNM Community (students, faculty and staff) for participation in these clinics. The ultimate goal is the ability to field a wheelchair basketball team from UNM.
“I’ve been a big fan of wheelchair basketball for a long time,” said UNM President David J. Schmidly. “These players inspire all of us. It’s great to be able to put together an agreement at UNM for this group. We’re glad they are part of the University.”
The agreement was worked out between members of the All Kings Wheelchair Basketball team including Jake Schmalzriedt and Sebastian Rael; President Katryn Fraher, Associated Students For Empowerment; and Roger Wrolstad, manager, Johnson Center.
“This is the right thing to do,” said Wrolstad. “It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved. In return for not charging a fee use for the facility, the Associated Students for Empowerment and the All Kings Wheelchair Basketball team will work with the University to foster an adaptive recreation program at UNM.”
The All Kings Wheelchair Basketball team will utilize the South Gym at Johnson Center and will conduct clinics in the main gym at Johnson Center. Also as part of the agreement, event organizers will provide reasonable accommodations to make their events accessible to all participants. The agreement is through the 2008 fall semester.
Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; email: scarr@unm.edu
