April 18, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Using basketball as a vehicle to help provide wheelchairs for those less fortunate, members of the UCF women's basketball team participated in the "Big Wheel Deal" Charity Basketball game on Friday evening at the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. The community service event was in conjunction with the Wheels for the World Charity.
The Knights started the night off around 6 p.m. by playing a variety of fun games and carnival events with children attending the event. UCF players then participated in the charity basketball game as several members served as the game's referees and others student-athletes played in the game. The game was emceed by the television voice of the Orlando Magic David Steele and featured a special appearance by "Shake `N Bake" Frank Streety, a member of the Harlem Globetrotters from 1972-77.
Wheels for the World is an international organization that raises money to donate wheelchairs to those in need. According to the World Health Organization, some 20-30 million disabled people need wheelchairs, but most lack the financial ability or availability to purchase one. Wheels for the World donates countless wheelchairs to those in need.
The UCF women's basketball team will participate in the annual UCF Youth Sports Festival on Saturday in Orlando. Registration for the event begins at 8:30 a.m. at Jay Bergman Field. During the festival, UCF student-athletes and coaches will run clinics, teaching participants the finer points of various sports. The event is open to kindergarteners through fifth graders and costs $2. Participants in the two-hour event will receive lunch and a goody bag.
For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. Also check out UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.