Naval Supply Systems Command Business Systems Center (NAVSUP BSC) announced, Oct. 18, its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October.

The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "Inclusion Drives Innovation."

Reflecting this year's theme, NAVSUP BSC hosted their 28th annual Wheelchair Basketball Tournament at Good Hope Middle School in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

"Events like these help to increase our value and recognition of what they go through each and every day in a wheelchair," said NAVSUP BSC Commanding Officer Capt. Doug Bridges. "We appreciate the contributions those with disabilities bring to the fight every day. Hiring employees with diverse abilities strengthens our business, increases competition and drives innovation."

The event began with a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner sang by Finnegan Boltz, a student at Good Hope Middle School.

The first matchup was between the Good Hope Middle School students against the Good Hope Middle School staff. The students won 6-2. Activities continued with the Mechanicsburg Middle School students vs. Mechanicsburg Middle School staff who won 6-0.

The third game of the evening was new this year: Chairiot Express (Wheelchair Athletic Association), which promotes sports participation for children with disabilities, versus a team of volunteers from the audience. This gave the audience an opportunity to try their wheelchair skills. The Chairiots won 10-0.

The rivalry game of the night was the Navy Military versus the Navy Civilians. The Military almost took the Civilians this year, however the military succumbed to defeat by one basket with a final score of 20-18.

Good Hope Middle Students being the winner of game one now had a chance to play against the Chairiots. Students played hard but could not beat the Chairiots. The final score was 16-4.

The next face-off of the evening was Mechanicsburg Middle School staff versus the Navy Civilians, with the Civilians winning 10-6.

The final match of the evening was the Chairiots versus the Navy Civilians.

"This will be a tough game," said Shearod Learn, captain for the Chairiots.

The Chairiots once again took home the trophy, however it came down to a one basket lead several times throughout the game. The final score was 18-14.

"NAVSUP BSC is proud to be a part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month program," said Capt. Bridges. "We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of individuals with disabilities."

A news reporter from CBS21 covered the tournament and featured it on their newscast.

Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages, during October and throughout the year, by visiting http://www.dol.gov/ndeam.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.