HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Last month, Hill AFB commemorated National Disability Employment Awareness Month with its annual wheelchair basketball game. Organized by the Hill Special Observance Council, the Oct. 25 event featured the Ogden Wheelin’ Wildcats competing against Team Hill leadership.
The Ogden Wheelin’ Wildcats, a local wheelchair basketball team, faced Hill AFB leaders to showcase the abilities of those with disabilities. The event demonstrated teamwork, resilience, and the talents of the athletes, showing that individuals with disabilities can excel in sports like basketball.
“It’s about staying active and healthy. Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean it has to get worse,” said Nick Hess, coach of the Wheelin’ Wildcats. “Wheelchair sports provide an accessible way for everyone to stay active.”
Jeff Griffin, a player for the Wheelin’ Wildcats and a 2004 Paralympic silver medalist in wheelchair basketball, emphasized the importance of community and personal growth regarding these types of events.
“This event brings people with disabilities into a community that can be lifted up and have a dream to shoot for,” Griffin said. “I may be physically paralyzed, but I’ve learned that we all have demons of fear and complacency. Everyone needs to work on overcoming them.”
Event organizers said this event aimed to create an inclusive environment and raise awareness about disability employment at Hill AFB. They noted that sports help bridge gaps and bring people together.
In addition to the game, a resource fair offered information and support for attendees. Food trucks and other activities were also available.
Looking ahead, Hill AFB hopes to continue hosting this event annually. The goal is to build on this year's wheelchair basketball game and further promote inclusivity and awareness within the base and the broader community.
“A lot of people focus on obvious physical disabilities, but there are many non-physical disabilities as well,” added Nathan Crowton, a player who has been involved in wheelchair basketball for 30 years. “Events like this help raise awareness for all types of disabilities.”