University of Arizona wheelchair basketball team visits RIT - KOLD News 13
March 13, 2026 — The University of Arizona men's wheelchair basketball team brought a high-energy start to March Madness during a visit to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Tucson, drawing news coverage from KOLD News 13 and News 4 Tucson KVOA. Athletes performed a wheelchair basketball demonstration before spending time with patients undergoing rehabilitation.
“The Encompass Health partnership means a lot to us as student athletes and their support means the world,” said Ben Thornton, U of A team captain, to KOLD News 13.
Patients and staff gathered in the mobility courtyard to watch the demonstration and talk with players about mobility, athletics and resilience. The visit offered a firsthand look at how adaptive sports can support recovery and inspire confidence.
“We invited the defending wheelchair champions of the University of Arizona to visit with some of our patients,” said Jeff Christensen, market CEO of the hospital. “They are going to inspire our patients today.”
The basketball event was part of a one-week, March Madness-themed celebration focused on patient safety. Rehabilitation Institute of Tucson used the week's activities to remind staff and patients of the importance in delivering safe, reliable care.
