***UPDATE: It took awhile to put together the court, which consisted of many panels of framed plywood and 2x4s, but after a few hours of work - plus a minister's prayer and short speeches by two Tuskeegee Airman who captured the attention of the dozens of young men and women, including military personnnel - games of racquetball ensued under a bright sun. "We learned a lot," organizer Steven Harper said about erecting the portable court on a parking lot with a less-than-level surface. Harper hopes to find other venues to put up the court for free demonstrations. *****
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Saturday’s free outdoor racquetball clinic is turning into quite an event.
Besides fabulous weather, the clinic in Clayton will include a 1 p.m. presentation of the U.S. flag by a U.S. Army color guard, and clinic participants testing the portable court will include wounded veterans from Fort Bragg, said organizer Steven Harper of Clayton.
Guests and participants also will include Clayton High School students, Triangle prosthetics patients and members of area fire departments, the state Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies, Harper said, and invitations have gone out to Tuskegee Airmen living in the area, Harper said.
Harper is a retired Navy lieutenant commander who founded the Military Racquetball Federation in part to provide additional ways for military personnel rehabilitating from injuries to engage in more physical activity. Racquetball on traditional indoor courts is a popular military pastime. (See the previous Play! blog post.)
The purpose of the clinic is to demonstrate and promote the outdoor version of the sport to military and civilian recreational athletes.
Activities run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot in front of The Church @ Clayton Crossings, 11690 U.S. 70 Business in Clayton. The church is located near Clayton High School in the former Winn-Dixie grocery store space at the intersection of U.S. 70 and Amelia Church Road behind a McDonald’s restaurant.
The clinic is free, and equipment is provided. For information, contact Harper at 757-831-8458 and steven@militaryracquetball.com, www.militaryracquetball.com.
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- Teri Boggess
play@newsobserver.com
