Article Contributed on: 8/16/2007 11:58:18 AM
The Colorado Rollin' Rockies hosted a game of wheelchair softball against Englewood-based engineering firm, Felsburg, Holt and Ullevig's (FHU) softball team - FHUnny Farm, on August 15th at Coors Field Parking Lot - home of the Rollin' Rockies wheelchair softball team.
The event was to gain awareness of the abilities of wheelchair athletes as well as encourage camaraderie among both "stand-up" and "sit-down" softball teams. FHUnny Farm players left their cleats at home and played the game sitting down in wheelchairs - just as the Rollin' Rockies do.
"I have a new found respect," says FHUnny Farm left fielder
Brian Weihrauch. "You guys are definitely athletes." He added.
"As the only wheelchair softball team in the state, we are excited and encouraged to play any game we can," says Colorado Rollin' Rockies manager
Ron Bolseth.
"While the game really isn't fair for the opposing team, it gives us the game-situational practices we need to be competitive for our upcoming national tournament." He added.
In addition to playing the game, FHU hosted a barbecue after the event and provided the non-profit wheelchair softball team with a donation which will help them travel to their national tournament next week.
The Colorado Rollin' Rockies are one of 47 wheelchair softball teams which make up the National Wheelchair Softball Association and are currently ranked 9th in the country. The team will travel to St. Paul, Minn., on August 23rd for the 31st National Wheelchair Softball Tournament. For more information about the Colorado Rollin' Rockies, visit the team's website at www.rollinrockies.com