The Penn State intramural wheelchair basketball organization will be hosting a "Learn by Doing" clinic with the Penn State men's basketball team and the Johnstown Flood City Rollers wheelchair basketball team.

Adam Taliaferro and Christie Welsh will also make appearances for this event. The event will take place on Dec. 4 from 6-7 p.m. prior to the Lady Lions' basketball game against Maryland. The event is open to all students and the general public. For those who attend this event, the first 25 will receive free t-shirts, and everyone in attendance will receive free admission to the Lady Lions' game.

Intramural wheelchair basketball is gaining momentum at Penn State, and is looking to become an intercollegiate sport. In fact, it has just received a $10,000 grant from the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, according to Teri Jordan-Lucas, Disability Recreation Programs Coordinator for Penn State. Jordan-Lucas said that the money will go toward new basketball wheelchairs that are specially designed to be more maneuverable, and can also move quicker.

"We are about what people can do, and not what they can't do," Jordan-Lucas said. "We're focusing on ability, not on disability."

She then went on to say that, "Our goal is to make [wheelchair basketball] a varsity sport, and also offer some sort of scholarship."

Jeff Hantz, the courageous wheelchair track and field star who has qualified for the IPC [International Paralympic Committee] world championships in New Zealand, is a current player for the intramural wheelchair basketball association.

"I had no previous experience," Hantz said, "but I like to come out and play and be on a competitive team."

He stresses that, "no previous experience is necessary."

Danielle Styer, another wheelchair track and field star who is a promising candidate for the 2004 Paralympics is also participating in the program. She says that she really plays just for fun, and that it is a great time.

"If you haven't played before don't hesitate," she added.

The intramural wheelchair basketball program will start back up this winter and for more information contact Teri Jordan-Lucas in her office at 865-8375 or by email at txj3@psu.edu.