June 8, 2004

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

SRU TO HOST CAMP JUNE 16-19 FOR CHILDREN WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS

 EVENT SHOWCASES NATIONAL REPUTATION FOR HELPING THOSE WITH DISABILITIES

           SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Children with visual impairments or blindness from across the region come to Slippery Rock University June 16-19 for Camp SportsVision, an event that increases their comfort level in competing in sports and expands their awareness of regional recreational opportunities.

           Camp SportsVision gives school children ages eight to 18 the opportunity to participate in taekwondo, gymnastics, weight lifting, aerobics, rock climbing and a special sport called “goalball,” which uses a ball with a bell rolled toward a goal.

           Most events take place in SRU’s Robert N. Aebersold Student Recreation Center. Thirty-four children signed up and will stay in Founders Hall.

                Camp SportsVision, based in Pittsburgh, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing recreational opportunities for people with visual impairments or blindness. Earlier this year, the organization united with SRU to combine forces to provide a superior camp for regional youngsters, said Wendy Fagan, camp director.  A single-day camp this spring drew 30 participants.

    “SRU has all the components necessary to host Camp SportsVision,” Fagan said. “In addition to the excellent facilities, the university has a minor in adapted physical activity. The student-led Adapted Physical Activity Council has adopted SportsVision and formed a committee specifically for the camp. To date, 16 SRU students have volunteered to help run the camp and ensure that all the athletes have a terrific experience.”

    SRU’S Dr. Robert Arnhold, coordinator of the Adapted Physical Activity Program, said the camp is a natural fit for SRU, which offers a number of programs for athletes with disabilities and recently hosted the National Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Association Tournament.

           SRU launched a minor in adapted physical activity before any other university in Pennsylvania. The Program includes equine facilitated therapy, rugby, swimming and wheelchair basketball. Community members participate in classes such as “Sport and Disability,” “Adapted Aquatics,” “Biomechanics of Special Populations” and “Adapted and Therapeutic Exercise.”

           The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation has recognized the university’s efforts with grants.

PN, PR, PgN