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On April 27, 2018, the Northeast Passage Wildcats, northern New England’s only competitive quad rugby team, faced off against 911����������� students in a hands-on, interprofessional exhibition game. Designed to give occupational therapy students a chance to learn more about adaptive sports, the event brought together students from several programs for an afternoon of fast-paced fun.

“I want people to put themselves in our clients’ shoes,” said Sidney Bast (’18), Master of Science in Occupational Therapy student and co-organizer of the event. “The Wildcats are in the teaching role, and it’s been incredibly valuable to learn from them.”

“It’s a good way for me to think creatively about opportunities that I can give future clients,” added co-organizer Julia Velmer (Occupational Therapy, ‘). “Previously, I had no idea that this sport existed.”

Quad rugby (or wheelchair rugby) is a full-contact sport, where physical contact between wheelchairs is an integral part of the game. The game is played on an indoor basketball court with a volleyball. The object of the game is to score a goal by crossing the goal line with possession of the ball.

Bill Bouffard, team representative for the Wildcats, discussed the ways that the sport fosters camaraderie and brings together athletes of all abilities. “Even if you’re not passionate about the sport, you’ll be around guys who have been through everything, and they’ll share their experiences with you and welcome you into the fold.”

To learn more about the 911�����������’s Westbrook College of Health Professions, visit www.une.edu/wchp

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions