113th Sustainment Brigade Soldiers Play in Charity Wheelchair Basketball Tournament at PNC Arena
RALEIGH, N.C. — Army Sgt. Maj. Danielle Hodges gave quick instructions: “I want you to stay outside and when they commit, move in.” The instructions are critical to the team’s success and as time is running out, the game’s victor is in doubt.
It goes as predicted; a clang of metal, shouts, grimaces and the last attack goes forward. As the center collapses, the Soldier on the perimeter is open and he drives into the lane to put up the last minute shot, but the effort falls short, and the basketball just misses.
Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard’s 113th Sustainment Brigade, headquartered in Greensboro, N.C., joined sixteen other teams in a wheelchair basketball match held at PNC Arena to raise money for ‘Bridge II Sports’ in its first August Madness tournament here today.
The purpose of the tournament is to raise money for Bridge II Sports, a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for physically-challenged athletes in the Triangle, Fayetteville and Triad regions of North Carolina.
“We volunteered happily. Maj. (Mike) Marciniak (a leader in the 113th) contacted us after someone in his church told him,” said Hodges.
Teams competed in five-on-five, fifteen-minute basketball games on a shortened court with regulation baskets. The only difference for these Soldiers was that they had to play in wheelchairs especially designed for quickness and speed, without brakes.
“The first time (on the court) I just kept going,” said Army 2nd Lt. Jared Davis.
This is a common experience for the players, as many have never sat in a wheelchair before let alone play in a competitive basketball game.
The Soldiers were quick learners, however, and with the help of the 2003 National Wheelchair Basketball MVP Fred Smith, the Soldiers were able to make the necessary adjustments and play the game effectively.
The Soldiers took an early lead against the law firm Smith, Debnam, Narron, Drake, Saintsing and Myers LLP. The firm’s team pulled ahead late in the game led by an MVP in his own right, former Duke University star Andre Dawkins.
“I never knew how hard it is,” said Army Capt. Cassandra Colston. “We take it for granted.”
After the Guard team’s last-minute three point shot fell short, they congratulated their opponents with smiles and hugs.
“We came out here for fun, a new experience and to meet people who do this on a daily basis,” said Hodges.
After their game, the Soldiers showed their support to the event by staying to watch and cheer on the other teams who were participating in the tournament.
“I have a whole new respect,” said Colston.
(Photos by U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Robert Jordan, NCNG PAO - From Aug. 1)
113th Sustainment Brigade Soldiers Play in Charity Wheelchair Basketball Tournament at PNC Arena
RALEIGH, N.C. — Army Sgt. Maj. Danielle Hodges gave quick instructions: “I want you to stay outside and when they commit, move in.” The instructions are critical to the team’s success and as time is running out, the game’s victor is in doubt.
It goes as predicted; a clang of metal, shouts, grimaces and the last attack goes forward. As the center collapses, the Soldier on the perimeter is open and he drives into the lane to put up the last minute shot, but the effort falls short, and the basketball just misses.
Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard’s 113th Sustainment Brigade, headquartered in Greensboro, N.C., joined sixteen other teams in a wheelchair basketball match held at PNC Arena to raise money for ‘Bridge II Sports’ in its first August Madness tournament here today.
The purpose of the tournament is to raise money for Bridge II Sports, a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for physically-challenged athletes in the Triangle, Fayetteville and Triad regions of North Carolina.
“We volunteered happily. Maj. (Mike) Marciniak (a leader in the 113th) contacted us after someone in his church told him,” said Hodges.
Teams competed in five-on-five, fifteen-minute basketball games on a shortened court with regulation baskets. The only difference for these Soldiers was that they had to play in wheelchairs especially designed for quickness and speed, without brakes.
“The first time (on the court) I just kept going,” said Army 2nd Lt. Jared Davis.
This is a common experience for the players, as many have never sat in a wheelchair before let alone play in a competitive basketball game.
The Soldiers were quick learners, however, and with the help of the 2003 National Wheelchair Basketball MVP Fred Smith, the Soldiers were able to make the necessary adjustments and play the game effectively.
The Soldiers took an early lead against the law firm Smith, Debnam, Narron, Drake, Saintsing and Myers LLP. The firm’s team pulled ahead late in the game led by an MVP in his own right, former Duke University star Andre Dawkins.
“I never knew how hard it is,” said Army Capt. Cassandra Colston. “We take it for granted.”
After the Guard team’s last-minute three point shot fell short, they congratulated their opponents with smiles and hugs.
“We came out here for fun, a new experience and to meet people who do this on a daily basis,” said Hodges.
After their game, the Soldiers showed their support to the event by staying to watch and cheer on the other teams who were participating in the tournament.
“I have a whole new respect,” said Colston.
(Photos by U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Robert Jordan, NCNG PAO - From Aug. 1)