This year marks the 9th annual Homecoming Wheelchair Flag Football event between UAB and The Lakeshore Foundation. Students, faculty and staff will team up against Lakeshore’s professional team members in observance of Disability Awareness Month. This event is open to all members of the UAB community and will take place on Monday, Oct. 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Campus Recreation Center, Courts 1 and 2. 

The Lakeshore Foundation is a local organization that aims to assist people with physical disabilities in leading healthy and active lives. They lead aquatic and fitness programs, research projects, advocacy initiatives and 12 competitive sports. UAB’s Disability Support Services, which serves the needs of students with disabilities, started their relationship with the foundation with  their first wheelchair flag football game nine years ago. It has since evolved into an annual game as well as a yearly wheelchair basketball match. 

“It is a friendly competition and a great way to promote community inclusivity,” said Valerie DuBose, Associate Director of Disability Support Services. 

“Students who participate in the game itself will have the opportunity to experience a sporting event from a different perspective,” said Allie Reeves, Accommodation Services Coordinator for DSS.

This will also be the third year the flag football game takes place during UAB’s Homecoming Week. 

“It offers the UAB community the opportunity to experience a unique and exciting homecoming activity that promotes awareness of campus and community inclusivity,” Reeves said.

All members of the UAB community are encouraged to come support the Blazers as they battle an internationally-acclaimed team. Currently, Lakeshore is on an eight-year winning streak. With your support, however, this could be the year the Blazers finally prevail! And, in addition to watching an exciting match, attendees will be treated to free pizza and prizes. 

For more information, or accommodations, email dss@uab.edu.