Al Youakim, Beloved Advocate for People with Disabilities and Wheelchair Sports Pioneer, Dies at 82
Albert Youakim, a nationally known pioneer in the early development of wheelchair sports and a tireless advocate for people with disabilities, died yesterday at the age of 82.
Youakim, an influential coach, mentor, and counselor, was a driving force behind the sports program at United Spinal Association and volunteered on behalf of people with disabilities for over 60 years. He was inducted into the National Wheelchair Basketball Hall of Fame and coached track and field at the first International Wheelchair Games in Stokes-Mandeville, England. He coached U.S. teams in Stokes-Mandeville tournaments for 18 years in Japan, Italy, Britain, Argentina, and Germany and organized one of the first wheelchair basketball teams for children––now a major component of wheelchair sports programs around the world. He was instrumental in forming the National Wheelchair Games in the U.S.; he was awarded the Paralyzed Veterans of America’s highest honor, the Speedy Award, for his contribution to improving the lives of people with spinal cord injuries and disabilities; and he was the inaugural recipient of United Spinal’s annual Albert Youakim Community Service Award, presented for “unselfish devotion and loyalty to the disabled community and a natural ability to lead and mentor.”
United Spinal’s President and CEO, Paul J. Tobin, said, “The legacy of Al Youakim is the benchmark for everything that United Spinal Association stands for. No one I know comes close to Al’s 60-years of single-minded dedication to the cause of restoring those with spinal cord injuries to richer lives through the power of sports. His genuine personal warmth, combined with heartfelt concern and a fierce determination to make a difference, sets the standard for us all.”
Born in 1925 and a native of River Edge, New Jersey, Youakim was a retired postal worker and a longtime volunteer fireman. He and his brother, Peter, served with distinction with the Marine Corps during World War II––but Peter Youakim sustained a spinal cord injury in combat and returned home paralyzed. Visiting his brother at what was then St. Albans Naval Hospital in Queens, New York, Youakim frequently accompanied Peter and other paralyzed veterans to the basketball courts at a local gym. Deeply impressed by the courage and determination of the veterans at St. Albans, Youakim organized what may have been the first wheelchair basketball team in the nation. In a few short years, the sport caught fire nationwide and the National Wheelchair Basketball Association was created to serve as its governing body.
After Peter’s discharge from St. Albans, the Youakim brothers formed the Jersey Wheelers and, as more paralyzed veterans were discharged from military and veterans hospitals around the region, competition expanded rapidly. With Al Youakim at the helm, the Jersey Wheelers became one of the top teams in the NWBA, finishing the 1954 season undefeated and capturing the national title against the Brooklyn Whirlaways. During his tenure as coach, Youakim’s Wheelers made a remarkable ten trips to the national finals. The game, which Youakim pioneered at St. Albans, was introduced at the first Paralympic Games in Rome in 1960. It has spread to 80 countries and there are currently about 185 teams in the U.S. alone.
As a leading committee member for the National Wheelchair Athletic Association, Youakim also helped launch the first official National Wheelchair Games, which were held on the grounds of United Spinal Association at Bulova Park in Jackson Heights, New York, for 25 years. The Games included track & field, archery, swimming, basketball, and table tennis. United Spinal also hosts the popular Al Youakim Wheelchair Basketball Invitational which attracts top regional teams each fall to Hackensack, New Jersey.
Bill Hannigan, Director of Sports and Recreation for United Spinal, said, “It is impossible to quantify the impact that Al Youakim has had on the world of wheelchair sports and the lives of hundreds of athletes with disabilities across the country. He not only taught me everything I know about wheelchair competition, he was a profound inspiration during my rehabilitation after spinal cord injury. His confidence in my recovery, his unfailing support, his deep personal commitment to all wheelchair athletes, and his wonderful sense of humor changed everyone who met him. He will be sorely missed.”
In one of his last interviews, Youakim said, “I hope that someday the whole country will recognize adaptive sports and embrace the players as true athletes. It’s an exciting time for wheelchair athletes and the sports programs are improving every day. I wish I was 20 years younger so I could get in on it.”
Youakim is survived by 10 nieces and nephews: William and Robert Youakim, Danielle Aigotti, Bonnie Bonkowski, Laura Cancro, Donna Keith, Mary Wahl, John and Susan Russo, and Vincent Wagner.
Wake and viewing are scheduled for Monday August 20, 2007 at 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and again at 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. There will be a short service at the funeral home before proceeding to the Cemetery on Tuesday August 21, 2007. Service will begin at 10:00 am.
Beaugard Funeral Home
869 Kinderkamack Road
River Edge, NJ 07661
(201) 262-5050
http://www.beaugard.com/
http://www.beaugard.com/directions.html
George Washington Park Memorial Cemetery
234 Paramus Road
Paramus NJ 07652
(201) 652-4300
Mass Cards can be sent to:
Al Youakim
174 Ruckman Ave
Hillsdale NJ 07642-1723