Lakeshore Foundation hosting 29th annual Pioneer Classic

The Lakeshore Foundation will host its 29th annual Pioneer Classic the weekend of Jan. 15-17.

The wheelchair basketball tournament includes teams with members as young as 6 to athletes who have competed as part of the U.S. Paralympic Team.

“One of the most exciting things about this tournament is it is one of the hallmark tournaments in the entire United States,” Director of Athletics and Training Site Lisa Hilborn said.

Teams in three different divisions will compete throughout the weekend, including the Championship Division, which includes teams with players from the U.S. national team and Paralympic teams, as well as Division 3 adult teams. Multiple youth teams will also compete on Saturday, with teams coming from as far away as Georgia.

Hilborn said wheelchair basketball is one of the oldest and most established wheelchair sports, originating with veterans from the Vietnam War.

“It is a great opportunity to heighten ability awareness levels,” Hilborn said. “The rules are more similar than they are different to able-bodied or stand-up basketball.”

The event is free and open to the public, and Hilborn encouraged all to come and enjoy the event or find a way to get involved as a volunteer.

For more information about the Pioneer Classic and to find out about volunteer opportunities at the Lakeshore Foundation, visit lakeshore.org or call 313-7400.