COEUR d'ALENE - Advanced Learning Program teacher Charlene Babb worked frantically to wheel herself to the goal line, the rugby ball momentarily safe in her lap.

From seemingly nowhere, a player from Team St. Luke's slammed into her wheelchair with a loud metal crash and grabbed the ball, racing to the other side of the gymnasium as a cacophony of excitement arose from the crowd.

"I'm nervous and excited," Babb said during the practice match. "I'm already sweating and we haven't even started yet."

Sorensen Elementary teachers went wheel-to-wheel with wheelchair rugby players from St. Luke's Rehabilitation Institute during a fun and educational scrimmage Friday in the Sorensen Elementary School gym. Players from the North Idaho College Rugby Club coached the teachers on the rules of rugby before the big event.

"It's pretty different," said fifth-grader Myah Rietze, 11. "They're usually teaching us but now we're watching them being taught."

The demonstration coincided with the school's recent focus on educating students about disabilities and teaching them how to see life through the eyes of someone who is wheelchair bound.

"I think it's good for our students to have some empathy toward people that are in wheelchairs and to see that through sports, there can be a connection between people that aren't able to walk," Babb said. "They can see that they are still capable of many, many things, and this is just one area."

Blair Williams is a Sorensen parent volunteer who has been in a wheelchair for 34 years. This is her second year working with Sorensen teachers to help students in all grades understand what it means to be disabled.

"This year they had to do experiences in the chair, like go to get a drink out of the drinking fountain or go wash your hands in the bathroom," she said. "For the older kids we talked about Stephen Hawking and about how his body is contorted."

Williams contacted St. Luke's and the local rugby clubs to participate in the demonstration, which was well received by all sides.

"The whole concept is for the kids to see that people with disabilities can be as active and as adventurous and fun and how they face challenges," Williams said.

NIC Rugby Club coach/adviser Adam Mortensen said he and his team jumped at the chance to participate.

"We don't just play rugby, we want to be involved in the community as well," he said. "It's a sport that just embraces people."

Team St. Luke's coordinator Candice Belcourt said the disabilities of the St. Luke's players ranges from spinal cord injuries to cerebral palsy, and they are more than happy to educate the public about their lifestyles and challenges.

"It's just great to increase the awareness," Belcourt said. "We love getting out and spreading the word, showing the community what these athletes are capable of."