United Spinal Giants Kick Off Second Season with New Website
Jackson Heights, NY—On November 16, 2006, the United Spinal Giants made history when they played on the first hard-top football field in New York State, perfect for wheelchair users. Now in its second year, the United Spinal Giants are expanding their reach through a new interactive website for wheelchair football players and fans.
The new website, www.unitedspinal.org/giants, features video footage on its homepage of the wheelchair football field dedication and opening game at Victory Field in Forest Park, Queens. It also provides information on how to join, watch and support the United Spinal Giants.
“My hope for the program is that it grows to where we will have wheelchair football fields all over the state of New York and country,” said John Hamre, coach of the United Spinal Giants. “And that New York City will serve as a model so that other professional football franchises can have their own wheelchair football teams.”
Wheelchair football was invented in the early 1970s. Its rules are adapted from the rules of 6-on-6 flag football, and it is played on asphalt, which is easier to maneuver in a wheelchair. Sponsored by the New York Giants and the United Spinal Association, United Spinal Giants practice and play scrimmages every week at Victory Field and are working on creating a full-fledged league.
To find out more about United Spinal Giants, please visit www.unitedspinal.org/giants or call Bill Hannigan at 718-803-3782 x268.
United Spinal Association is a national advocacy and disability rights organization dedicated to providing expertise, creating access to resources and strengthening hope, thereby enabling people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) to fulfill their potential as active members of their communities. Guided by the belief that the benefits of athletic competition are no different for athletes with disabilities than for the able-bodied, United Spinal also sponsors a wide variety of wheelchair recreational and adaptive sports programs. Membership in United Spinal is free and open to all individuals with spinal cord disabilities. For more information visit www.unitedspinal.org or call our toll-free number, 800-404-2898.