Thursday, September 27, 2001

Wilmington -- Easter Seals North Carolina and Invacare Corporation are teaming up to offer children and adults with disabilities, recreation leaders, coaches, rehabilitation therapists, students, and others the opportunity to enjoy a series of wheelchair sports clinics at Invacare Day. The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29 at UNC Wilmington’s Athletics Facilities, 601 S. College Road. The UNC Wilmington Curriculum in Therapeutic Recreation and the Recreation Student Association are serving as local hosts for this event.

In hands-on sports clinics, Invacare Day attendees will learn about wheelchair tennis, basketball, and softball from Invacare Team illustrious athletes, Larry Evans and Rick Cooper. An adapted golf clinic will be led by local golfer, Bob Ronne of the Wilmington Disabled Athletic Association (WDAA). Additionally, athletes from the WDAA will provide assistance during the sports clinics.

“Invacare’s eight-year commitment to Easter Seals through its Invacare Day sports clinics has brought wonderful new experiences to people with disabilities throughout the country,” says Easter Seals North Carolina CEO and President Adele Foschia. “It is a privilege for Easter Seals to have the opportunity to bring this event to people with disabilities and their families in the Wilmington community.”

Foschia continues, “Sports offer an opportunity to develop important life skills needed to succeed including communication, teamwork and commitment. These skills are equally important for all people, including youth and adults with disabilities who want to lead independent lives. Research points to elevated self-esteem and self-confidence in those involved in sports and recreation. Easter Seals is committed to providing experiences that deliver these benefits to people with disabilities in the community.”

Since 1999, Easter Seals has partnered with UNC Wilmington’s Health, Physical Education & Recreation Department, Wilmington Disabled Athletic Association, and others to make recreational opportunities accessible to people with disabilities. Additional partners include NC Independent Living Rehabilitation Program, UCP-ECHOES, Family Support Network, NC Department of Health & Human Services, New Hanover Public Schools, Wilmington Parks & Recreation, Wrightsville Parks & Recreation, and Carolina Beach Parks & Recreation. Through this collaborative effort, Easter Seals has provided beach wheelchairs, accessible golf carts, and modified fishing equipment to Wilmington area communities. With the support of these partners, Easter Seals recently held A Community Forum on Accessible & Inclusive Recreation, which brought together 60 people with and without disabilities in Wilmington to address access to community recreation for people of all abilities.

Invacare is the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor of medical products that promote recovery and active lifestyles for people requiring home and other non-acute health care. Since 1994, Invacare has contributed nearly $1 million in cash and product donations to Easter Seals across the country.

For further information on Invacare Day, contact Jacqueline Cavadi at Easter Seals North Carolina, 1-800-662-7119 or jcavadi@nc.easter-seals.org. Registration is recommended for attendance at this event. For information on UNCW’s Therapeutic Recreation Program, contact Dr. Dan Johnson 910/962-3659.