Eight teams, some from as far away as Switzerland,
will gather at the University of Houston to battle for the 2014 Cougar Cup Wheelchair Rugby Tournament.
The event is planned for Jan. 31 – Feb. 2 in the University of Houston Campus Recreation and Wellness Center and is sponsored by TIRR Memorial Hermann and the UH Division of Student Affairs, and hosted by Adaptive Athletics @ UH.
The sport is called “Murder Ball” for its intensity and aggressiveness. More than 70 athletes will compete in 30-minute games until the Cougar Cup champion is crowned.
“We are excited to host this competitive event with athletes from around the world, and proud to showcase the University and wheelchair rugby,” said Michael Cottingham, assistant professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance (HHP) and Adaptive Athletics program director. “Seven UH students and alums will participate in our event, playing for the TIRR Texans.”
Other teams are:
• Chicago Bears
• Denver Harlequins
• San Antonio Steel
• Brooks Bandits (Florida)
• Pittsburgh Steelwheelers
• Switzerland Fighting Snakes
• Calgary Inferno
This is the inaugural Cougar Cup wheelchair rugby tournament, but the latest in a line of wheelchair rugby events hosted by Adaptive Athletics @ UH, an HHP student organization, which aims to create a UH athletics program for students with disabilities. The group began in 2013.
“The next step will be to establish an official program at the University,” Cottingham said.
For more information on the 2014 Cougar Cup Wheelchair Rugby Tournament, visit http://tinyurl.com/HHP-PLAY
WHAT: 2014 Cougar Cup Wheelchair Rugby Tournament
WHEN: Jan. 31 – Feb. 2
WHERE: University of Houston Campus Recreation and Wellness Center
For directions and parking information, visit http://www.uh.edu/wtsc_apps/uh_maps/buildings/?short_name=CRWC
