Southern Miss Honors Wheelchair Basketball Team with Celebration Ceremony
Wed, 08/01/2012 - 03:08pm | By: Charmaine Williams Schmermund
The University of Southern Mississippi Technology Learning Center (TLC) honored the team members, coaches and supporters of the 2011-2012 TLC Golden Eagles wheelchair basketball team at a celebration ceremony held July 27 at the TLC facility on the Southern Miss Gulf Park campus in Long Beach.
During the ceremony, team members and coaches of last year's TLC Golden Eagles wheelchair basketball team were recognized for closing their first season as winners of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA)Gulf Coast Conference Championship. Volunteers were honored with certificates for their hard work and dedication to the team throughout the season.
“The Institute for Disability Studies greatly appreciates the support of the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Lion's Club for making this activity possible for this outstanding team,” said Dr. Royal Walker, executive director of the Institute for Disability Studies at Southern Miss.
The TLC Golden Eagles wheelchair basketball team was made possible through grants provided by the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) and the Lions Club of Mississippi, which allowed the team to travel to the various games and tournaments as well as providing the TLC with two specialized basketball wheelchairs for the team. Representatives from both organizations were recognized with honorary jerseys presented on behalf of the TLC Golden Eagles wheelchair basketball team.
“Our job is to try and make life better for people with disabilities,” said H.S. “Butch” McMillan, executive director of the MDRS. “That is we are about… we offer various support and programs which helps the lives of others.”
As a member of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association, the mission of the Southern Miss Golden Eagles wheelchair basketball team is to provide people with various disabilities the opportunity to compete with fellow athletes and to promote awareness for people with disabilities.
In addition to the Gulf Coast Conference Championship, the team played in two national tournaments and three non-conference tournaments during the season. The team is recruiting new members and getting ready for the next season, which begins in September.
For more information about the Southern Miss Technology Learning Center, call 228.214.3400.
