Fan Focus: Courage Center and "Running with the Wolves"

January 17, 2012 | From: Alex

I found this group of characters at last week's Chicago Bulls game, and I couldn't resist snapping a few photos.

(If  you need a quick refresher on what exactly they are referencing with their sign and costumes, see this video.)

We got to talking a little bit, and I realized that these guys would be perfect candidates for the "Fan of the Game" feature that we run on the Timberwolves Facebook page. After chatting a little more, I found out that the four wanna-be Spaniards spend their days working with clients who have incredible odds stacked against them.

Brian Post, John Hedstrom, Brad Walker and Andy Rapacz all work at the Courage Center, a Minneapolis-based non-profit rehabilitation and resource center for disabled individuals. They work with patients dealing with the effects of strokes, cerebral palsy, autism and spinal cord or brain injuries.

"The mission of the Courage Center," said Rapacz, "is to empower people with disabilities to realize their full potential in every aspect of life."

The Center, which was founded in 1928 as the Minnesota Society for Crippled Children, also provides services that focus on areas like independent living skills, exercise training, a physician's clinic and many other programs. They host the Minnesota Jr. Rolling Timberwolves, a wheelchair basketball team that has won multiple national championships over the last decade.

I was initially impressed by how clever this group's costume theme was, but after investigating into the Courage  Center, I came away more impressed by the sort of everyday dedication they provide for the people who need it most. Check out their website for more information.

Alex Conover
Web Editorial Associate
conover@timberwolves.com
@alex_cono