Auburn U Players Join Sports Camp

Sports Camp was treated to a visit from the Auburn wheelchair basketball team. Nathan Waters, Accommodation Specialist at Auburn University brought basketball wheelchairs and as well as some members of the team.

Nathan has worked on ASCCA’s summer staff and was the outdoor adventure director in the past. We are glad to welcome him back for a visit with our campers!

He brought with him Blake Loftin, #11 on Auburn’s wheelchair basketball team, Hunter Alvis, 23, and Phillip Crain, a previous member of Auburn’s team. Phillip is an alumni Sports Camp camper, and we are excited to have him back as well.

Before any basketball began, the campers were fitted to the a wheelchair that matched their size. The basketball wheelchairs have slanted wheels, or camber wheels, that keep the chair more stable as well as helping the chair turn more sharply. The chairs have an extra wheel in the back that is very small and keeps the chair from tipping backwards during play. Since wheelchair basketball is a contact sport, there is a foot bar to guard from getting hit there.

The Auburn players taught the campers how to move and turn in the chairs for those who are not usually in chairs or not used to this type of chair. They practiced passing the ball as well as shooting. To get used to moving around in the chairs, they played sharks and minnows across the court.

Then they got to the main event, the basketball games. Even the staff had a turn in the chairs. Five of our staff played against the three Auburn players. ASCCA’s staff tried their hardest but were left in the dust by the practiced athletes.

Since there was time after the basketball games before dinner began, our guests brought out wiffle ball equipment. Each camper got a chance to hit the ball and play in the field. We had to say goodbye to our visitors, but we hope they visit us again soon!

April Garrett, PR

Camp ASCCA 2017

Session 3 Sports Camp