March 19, 2004

CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine (724) 738-4854; e-mail: gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

SRU TO HOST SPORTS CLINIC FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED MARCH 27

            CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine (724) 738-4854; e-mail: gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

               SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Slippery Rock University and the university’s Adapted Physical Activity Council on March 27 will host a one-day sports clinic for the visually impaired. Participants ages 8 to 18 will learn the fundamentals of taekwondo, gymnastics, weight lifting, aerobics, dance and a special sport called "goalball."

            The SportsVision Day Clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Robert N. Aebersold Student Recreation Center. The public is invited.

           The student-led Adapted Physical Activity Council works to promote recreational opportunities for people with disabilities, including the team sport goalball, which uses a ball containing bells rolled toward the opponents goal line for points.

            “We’re just excited to continue advancing our reputation for adapted sports,” said Diana Helt a sport management major from Ross Township, member of the council and wheelchair basketball player. “There’s an obvious need, and we know our adapted programs provide opportunities for people with various disabilities.  This will help other area children and young adults become active and recognize the opportunities available to them.”

           The clinic is a natural fit for SRU, which offers a number of programs for athletes with disabilities and earlier this month hosted the National Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Association Tournament.

           SRU was the first university in Pennsylvania to launch a minor in adapted physical activity. The program prepares students for creating and managing fitness routines for special populations.