Pacific College of Oriental Medicine News & Events

When the Ten Thousand Things are seen in their Oneness, We return to the Origin where we have always been. - Sengtan

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Oriental Medicine Newspaper

News Release

September 8, 2004

For More Information Contact: Lauri Howell, Phone: (800) 729-0941

PCOM Students Serve Up Bodywork to Help Disabled Athletes

Pacific College body therapy students will be providing free massage to an estimated 200 players during the 2004 United States Open Wheelchair Tennis Tournament in San Diego , October 12-17. This is the sixth year that Pacific's students will volunteer their services to the Tennis Championship to help athletes endure the demanding schedule of competition.

The U.S. Open Wheelchair Tennis Championship is the premier wheelchair tournament in the United States , and one of the most prestigious events in the disabled sports world. Top athletes from all over the U.S. , as well as those representing 19 different countries will participate in this year's event.

For over 20 years, wheelchair tennis has been one of the most challenging, rewarding, and exciting of all wheelchair sports. The game follows the same rules as able-bodied tennis as endorsed by the United States Tennis Association and the International Tennis Federation, except the wheelchair tennis player is allowed up to two bounces of the ball. Competitive divisions have been established based upon factors such as gender, skill level, disability and age.

There are approximately 60 countries with wheelchair tennis programs, and approximately 100 wheelchair tennis tournaments throughout the world. Wheelchair tennis has its own annual version of international country versus country competition, called the World Team Cup, (equivalent to the Davis Cup/Federation Cup). Additionally, players have the opportunity to represent their country and compete for a gold medal at the Paralympic games (equivalent to the Olympic Games). With each year, the game of wheelchair tennis continues to enjoy tremendous growth and popularity.

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