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USHL Waterloo Black Hawks

Fans Contribute Thousands for Wheelchairs

January 9, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Waterloo Black Hawks News Release


Waterloo, Iowa-Eastern Iowa hockey fans were able to raise more than $4,300 for SportAbility of Iowa and the Iowa Chairiots wheelchair basketball team during three games at Young and Cedar Rapids Ice Arenas, the Waterloo Black Hawks announced on Thursday.

The money will be used to begin replacing 14 wheelchairs stolen last month from a Cedar Rapids YMCA parking lot. Iowa Chairiots players come from throughout eastern Iowa and play opponents throughout the Midwest. SportAbility helps to manage the squad, as well as providing other adapted sports programs for athletes with lower body disabilities. The contribution includes cash collected during Waterloo games on December 27th and 31st, the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders' home game against the Hawks on December 28th, and a donation from the Black Hawks doubling all money collected from the Slumberland Furniture Fan's Choice Player of the Year fund during that time.

"It's a reminder of just what a great place the Cedar Valley is," said Black Hawks Head Coach P.K. O'Handley. "Every day, we see evidence of how much our fans care about Black Hawks hockey, but efforts like this really show you how much the people in this community care about those around them."

SportAbility board member Jack Eherenman says the money which was raised is a great start towards getting the Chairiots back on the court.

"Members of our group spoke with several fans, many of whom knew about the thefts of the chairs we use for the many different programs throughout the year, and many were angry about why it would happen, and many helped support us in any way they could those evenings."

Eherenman also sees additional good coming from the chance to meet and interact with so many people at both arenas.

"The nice thing is that many hockey fans now know that if they have a family member, friend, or acquaintance who has an injury or birth defect, there is a group out there to help support them in efforts to play adapted sports in their community. That is the silver lining that is coming out of this," he noted.

Anyone who missed their chance to make a donation can still do so online at sportabilityofiowa.org or by sending a check to the organization, care of the University of Iowa Community Credit Union, 3409 Cedar Heights Drive, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. SportAbility of Iowa is a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization. The total replacement cost of the stolen wheelchairs is estimated between $40,000 and $50,000.

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