April 25, 2005

Evanston, Ill. - The Northwestern men's and women's basketball teams took on the University of Illinois wheelchair basketball team in the Wheels of Change charity game Saturday afternoon at the Sports Pavilion and Aquatics Center (SPAC) on campus.

The student-athletes traded sneakers for wheels to compete against the talented wheelchair squad in an effort to promote awareness of disability-related issues on campus.

"We are excited and honored to participate in an event that means so much more than just playing a game of basketball," head coach Beth Combs said. "Not only is it a way to give back to the students across campus that continue to support our program, but also an opportunity for us to help bring accessibility and disability issues to the forefront so that a more inclusive community may be created."

Wheels of Change is a student organization dedicated to increasing awareness regarding disability-related issues and increasing accessibility at Northwestern University. Wheels of Change works closely with administrators to make Northwestern's campus more accessible to students with learning, visual, mental, or physical impairments. The group sponsors various events throughout the school year, including a one-week program known as Accessibility Week.

For more information about Wheels of Change, please contact Northwestern students Ariel Schwartz (a-schwartz3@northwestern.edu), Cheri Fakes (c-fakes@northwestern.edu) or Daniel Ellman (d-ellman@northwestern.edu).