STERLING HEIGHTS
CHALLENGERS JUNIOR
WHEELCHAIR TEAM

The Sterling Heights Challengers Junior Wheelchair Team will receive the Athletes of the Year Award honoring their outstanding athletic achievement during the past year. Dedication, perseverance, and commitment displayed by every player paid off for the Sterling Heights Challengers in reaching their goal as the reigning 2002 National Junior Wheelchair Basketball Champions. The Challengers are part of the City of Sterling Heights Department of Parks and Recreation Special Recreation Services.

The team has spent the last nine years honing their skills to become serious contenders for the national title. The Challengers finished the 2001-02 season with a perfect 12-0 record heading into the national tournament.

The Challengers are taught more than athletics also emphasizing academics off the court. It's impressive to note that all seven seniors from a year ago have gone on to attend college for the 2001-02 academic year.

With universities now recruiting wheelchair athletes and offering them scholarships, their coach, Diane Winterstein, encourages her athletes to be the best students they can be. Their success both on and off the court is a tribute to the achievements of people with disabilities.