by Jawana Kamal (Intern, Student Affairs Marketing and Communications)

The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s (UAB) Division of Student Affairs celebrated  Disability Support Services’ (DSS) 10th annual Wheelchair Flag Football game with the Lakeshore Foundation. Held on Monday, Oct. 28, at the University Campus Recreation Center, the game is a beloved Homecoming Week tradition that brings together the UAB and greater Birmingham communities.

“What I love is that the Lakeshore Foundation brings their flag football team that always plays, and then they bring chairs so that any UAB student, faculty, or staff member can take a seat in that chair and go out into the court and play,” Allison Solomon, executive director of DSS, said. “You notice by the end of the game that the players that may not use the chair on a daily basis aren’t even seeing the chair by the end of it. It really is an inclusive opportunity for having a good time and having fun.”

A resource fair was hosted before the game to commemorate the anniversary. It featured UAB student organizations alongside local vendors who offered information about their services to the community. “We noticed over the past several years that the Lakeshore Foundation folks’ families come and attend and students also wander in, so we wanted to make sure that other agencies in the Birmingham area can share their information,” said Solomon.

Free t-shirts with the 10th-anniversary logo were provided to all players and the first 200 attendees. A raffle with special door prizes was also hosted, and giveaways, including gift cards for local businesses like Red Cat Coffee House, were announced throughout the game.

UAB's mascot, Blaze the Dragon, made a special appearance to help fellow students in their effort against Lakeshore’s team. The energy was electric on and off the court, as students, faculty, and family members cheered on their players until the very end. The final score was 42 to 34, which was another victory for Lakeshore. 

The UAB and Lakeshore Foundation communities look forward to another year of friendly, inclusive competition, continuing a longstanding Homecoming Week tradition that everyone can truly enjoy.