Coach, player in key roles at NBA/NWBA All-Star Wheelchair Classic
Philadelphia (January 2002)—Magee Rehabilitation Hospital will be well represented when the 2002 NBA/NWBA All-Star Wheelchair Classic rolls into action at 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 7, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Billy Cunningham, Hall of Fame Philadelphia 76ers player and coach, and now on the Board of Magee Rehabilitation, is a leading advocate for wheelchair athletes and people with disabilities. Mr.Cunningham will be involved in pre-game activities, the tip-off, and will present post-game awards.

Coach Ike Cahoe and point guard Ali Sabree of the Magee Sixers Spokesmen wheelchair basketball team will lead the East All-Stars against their counterparts from the West in the All-Star Wheelchair Classic, which features 24 of the best wheelchair players from 21 cities across the nation. The game, played on center court, is part of the 2002 NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by Fleer.

Mr. Cahoe, a Philadelphia native, attended Benjamin Franklin High School and Lincoln University. He played on their teams, and with the Wilkes Barre Barons and Allentown Jets of the CBA, the Sonny Hill League and the Vencia Venezuela professional team. Mr. Cahoe has also coached at E.S. Miller and West Philadelphia high schools, Eastern College, Presbyterian Academy, the Development Basketball and Sonny Hill leagues.

Professionally, Mr. Cahoe is a Physical Education and Health teacher of emotionally disturbed children. On being selected to coach the East All-Stars, he says, “It will be a great experience to work with some of the best wheelchair players in the country. I am proud to be a part of it.”

Ali Rajee Sabree attended Benjamin Franklin High School. Although he suffered a severe spinal cord injury in his youth that left him a paraplegic, Mr. Sabree persevered and went on to Temple University, graduating with a B.S. in Religion. While at Temple, he held national records in the 100- and 200-meter wheelchair track events. He’s coached children in the Sonny Hill League, and he mentors disadvantaged children. On being selected to the East All-Star team, he says, “ I have never experienced such an honor.”

The Philadelphia 76ers have long demonstrated a deep interest in encouraging people with disabilities, including visits to patients at Magee. The 76ers have also promoted public awareness and enjoyment of wheelchair basketball by producing Magee Sixers Spokesmen Media Guides, and hosting exhibitions by the Spokesmen during half-time at 76ers games. The partnership and support of the 76ers has also helped the Magee Sixers Spokesmen expand to two full teams.