Navy Champions Disability Inclusion with Impactful Wheelchair Basketball Tournament

The annual wheelchair basketball tournament organized by NAVSUP Business Systems Center (BSC) showcased a spirited blend of camaraderie and competition. This event aligns with the National Disability Employment Awareness Month initiative.

This year’s theme, “Access to Good Jobs for All,” highlights NAVSUP BSC’s efforts to improve employment prospects for individuals with disabilities.

“This is the 33rd year for NAVSUP BSC to host a wheelchair basketball tournament in support of National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Capt. Juan Carlos “JC” Uribe, commanding officer, NAVSUP BSC. “We celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and recognize the value of inclusivity in our workforce.”

Teams from local schools, military, and civilian personnel united with expert wheelchair basketball teams, the PA Lions and Chairiot Express, for vibrant matches. These teams collaborated under the watchful guidance of NAVSUP BSC Equal Employment Opportunity Committee.

Tom McNaughton, assistant coach for the PA Lions, emphasized community engagement. “Experiencing wheelchair basketball was revolutionary for me. I now strive to share its empowering essence with those unfamiliar with the game,” he asserted.

The tournament saw Mountain View Middle School students secure an early victory against Mechanicsburg, concluding at 4-2. The Chairiot Express outscored the Mountain View/Mechanicsburg staff with a decisive 16-2. Subsequently, Mountain View students won against the PA Lions 2-0, while Navy civilians triumphed over military counterparts 12-0. The PA Lions achieved victory over Mechanicsburg students, 6-2. Mountain View and Mechanicsburg staff then overpowered Navy military 12-2. The PA Lions clinched the youth championship by prevailing over Mountain View, 6-4. The Navy civilian team retained their champion title for the second consecutive year, overcoming Chairiot Express 6-4.

“NAVSUP Business Systems Center is honored to orchestrate an event celebrating diversity and inclusion,” Uribe noted, further acknowledging the collaboration between the Navy and local community members.

NAVSUP BSC continues its dedication to resourceful support in logistics and supply chain management, being a crucial part of the Navy’s operational framework.