Triangle racquetball players, Steven Harper has a challenge: Try it without the ceiling and the back wall – and in the great outdoors.
On March 20, the Clayton resident and retired Navy lieutenant commander will provide the state’s first public demonstration of an outdoor racquetball court provided through his organization, the Military Racquetball Federation.
The free clinic will take place 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Church @ Clayton Crossings, 11690 U.S. 70 in Clayton. Equipment will be provided, or players can bring their own.
Harper said his organization's primary mission is to use the outdoor courts to help wounded military personnel rehabilitate through racquetball - the indoor version already popular on military installations.
"It's what I believe in - helping our wounded warriors," said Harper, who spent just over 20 years in the Navy and now promotes the organization full time.
The organization also will host tournaments.
Harper is seeking more places to set up the 40-foot-long demonstration court and give veterans and civilians a chance to try outdoor racquetball, which he said has been demonstrated in California at a Marine Corps base and aboard an aircraft carrier.
"Once you get on the court, it's so addictive," Harper said. " ... You have to think while you're playing the sport."
Contact Harper at 757-831-8458 or steven@militaryracquetball.com, or go to the Web site.
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- Teri Boggess
play@newsobserver.com
