Wheelchairs specifically designed for basketball will be available for clinic participants.

Coaches and players representing nine different men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball teams from the New York City metro area will provide instruction and encouragement.

This event is being held to celebrate 55 years of organized wheelchair basketball in the New York metropolitan area.

Refreshments and prizes will be available to anyone who tries wheelchair basketball, and a new 32” flat screen television will be raffled off among clinic participants.

Sponsors of this event include the Jackson Heights-based United Spinal Association, Independence Care System, the City of New York Department of Parks & Recreation, the Wheelchair Sports Federation, and the Eastern Wheelchair Basketball Conference.

Anyone interested in participating can contact John Hamre by phone at 917-519-2622, or by e-mail at jhamre@wheelchairsportsfederation.org.

The United Spinal Jets quad rugby team will do battle in intra-squad games on Saturday from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and again on Sunday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The United Spinal Giants and Jets will showcase their wheelchair football skills in a game on Sunday from 12 Noon to 1:00 PM.

United Spinal Association athletes will also host a “Kids Clinic” on Saturday afternoon from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM to teach youngsters the basics of other exciting wheelchair sports like handcycling, tennis, and softball. Funding for this clinic is provided to United Spinal Association by the Thomas and Agnes Carvel Foundation.

Quad rugby is contested in wheelchairs that are built for speed and maneuverability.
Each quad rugby team fields four (4) players, who are classified using a point system based on their functional level. The game is played on a standard basketball court, and a volleyball is used to score points when a player carries the ball over the back line of an eight meter wide goal. The player with the ball must pass or dribble it within 10 seconds, or a turnover is called. Tactics such as “setting a pick” and “checking” are employed to advance the ball up court or to stop an opposing player’s progress. Collisions between players are routine.

Wheelchair football rules are adapted from flag football. There are six players on each team, and the asphalt “field” is 80 yards long and 22 yards wide, with first down marker lines every 15 yards. A team has five downs to move forward 15 yards for a first down. A one hand touch above the waist, including the arm and hand, constitutes a tackle. A touchdown scores six points, and extra points can be scored by running the ball into the end zone for two points, or passing it to a teammate in the end zone for one point. All National Football League penalty rules apply to wheelchair football.

Abilities Expo/NY Metro is dedicated to educating and improving the lives of people with disabilities, senior citizens, their families and caregivers, as well as health care and education professionals. For more information, click here.

The New York City-based United Spinal Association has received a generous donation from Pontiac and General Motors Corporation of Motorati Island in the Second Life.

You can learn more about the newly-named Motorability Island at www.unitedspinal.org/motorability/.

Motorability Island in Second Life (SL) is a vast, 7 sim complex designed specifically to promote United Spinal Association in SL, via the Education Center and other builds dotted around the Island. Visitors to the Island will find 2 full oval circuits, a full inter-sim road system, car themed nightclub with live DJs, go-kart racing, car dealerships, scooter shack and the rather cool AskPatty.com center too, which offers automotive advice for women, from some of the top women in the US automotive industry.

Paul Tobin, President and CEO of United Spinal Association, stated “through this gift our members and the general public will be able to enjoy a variety of car culture-related virtual events and pure racing fun. Other planned activities on Motorability Island will help us to raise awareness and funds that support United Spinal programs in the real world.”

United Spinal Association Board of Directors member Jody DeVere of southern California is responsible for the Motorati contribution. Ms. DeVere is President of AskPatty.com—Automotive Advice for Women—and she serves as Chair of United Spinal’s Motorsports Committee, which provides opportunities for drivers with disabilities who use hand controls to participate in solo racing events around the country.

During 2007, Ms. DeVere was the moving force for several successful fund raising events for United Spinal Association on Pontiac’s Motorati Island and at real life auto races. Ms. DeVere plans to ramp up Motorability Island activities quickly in 2008.

For more information about United Spinal Association’s Motorsports Program, please take the off ramp to http://www.unitedspinal.org/motorability/united-spinal-motorsports/

United Spinal Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries or disorders. For over 60 years, we have fought for veteran’s rights and for the rights of all individuals with disabilities. Our initiatives in research and education, government policy and legislation, civil rights and advocacy, accessibility and architectural design, and competitive athletics ensure that veterans and all Americans with spinal cord injury and disease live healthier, more independent and productive lives as active members of their communities. For more information, please visit www.unitedspinal.org or call 800-404-2898.

Participants will receive two full days of lessons including extensive one-on-one instruction from the Bart Center coaches and volunteers. All attendees are individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Some of United Spinal’s athletes will use a “mono-ski,” in which the user sits in a molded seat mounted to a frame above a single ski. A shock absorber links the frame to the ski and two outriggers are used for balance and turning.

Others will challenge the mountain in a “bi-ski,” which is a molded fiberglass shell above two specially designed skis. Outriggers are also used to turn the bi-ski and to maintain balance.

Funding for this event was provided to the United Spinal Association by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

United Spinal Association’s Sports and Recreation Director Steve DeMott stated, “our organization and the Bart Center share the mission of improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. We also hope to partner with the Bart Center in 2008 on clinics for some exciting adaptive summer activities like kayaking, canoeing, and handcycling.”

Jason Soricelli of the Jets and the Giants’ Joe Mendez each caught touchdown passes in the first half, which ended in a 7-7 tie. The Giants pulled ahead in the second half with Mendez’ second touchdown grab of the contest, but the Jets moved down the field methodically in a five minute drive culminating in a touchdown reception by the Jets’ Hannigan that tied the game at 14-14. Minutes later, Hannigan, who was named the game’s Most Valuable Player, snared his critical interception and Soricelli caught the game-winning touchdown pass with just 30 seconds remaining.

This first-ever local wheelchair football game was played at Diamond in the Pines in Brookhaven, Long Island. The Jackson Heights, NY-based United Spinal Association administers both teams, who enjoy sponsorship and support of the New York Giants and New York Jets National Football League franchises.

Wheelchair football is adapted from flag football. There are six players on each team, and the asphalt field is 80 yards long and 22 yards wide, with first down marker lines every 15 yards. Each game is 40 minutes in length, with two 20 minute halves separated by a five minute halftime. A one hand touch above the waist, including the arm and hand, constitutes a tackle. A touchdown scores six points, and extra points can be scored in two ways, two points for running the ball or one point for passing it successfully into the end zone. All National Football League penalty rules apply to wheelchair football.

Other sponsors of this first-ever wheelchair football contest in the New York metropolitan area are the Town of Brookhaven, St. Charles Hospital, and Chili’s.

Wheelchair football rules are adapted from flag football. There are six players on each team, and the asphalt “field”—easier to maneuver for wheelchair users—is 80 yards long and 22 yards wide, with first down marker lines every 15 yards. A team has five downs to move forward 15 yards for a first down.

The time of the football game is 40 minutes, with two 20 minute long halves separated by a five minute halftime. A one hand touch above the waist, including the arm and hand, constitutes a tackle. A touchdown scores six points, and extra points can be scored in two ways, two points for running the ball or one point for passing the pigskin successfully three yards into the end zone. All National Football League penalty rules apply to wheelchair football.

Members of the public are invited to come out and watch this exciting new wheelchair sport. To travel to Diamond in the Pines, take the Long Island Expressway to exit 63 – Route 83. Travel on Route 83 North for about three miles, then make a left turn on to Route 112. Diamond in the Pines will be 1/8 mile on the right side of Route 112.

The main sponsor of this clinic is the United States Power Soccer Association, which is the official governing body of more than 40 teams who engage in regional, national, and international power soccer competition. United Spinal Association contributed funding for the November 10th event, and helped to arrange sponsorship of the New Jersey-based Red Bull Junior Power Wheelchair Soccer Team by the Major League Soccer (MLS) Red Bull franchise.

Power wheelchair soccer is played by two teams of differently-abled athletes using special footguards attached to powered wheelchairs as “feet” to kick a large 13 inch diameter ball. Players must use lap seatbelts and may use other assistive or protective technology that is normally needed by the individual. A power wheelchair soccer match is contested between two teams of four (4) players each, one of whom must be the goalkeeper.

Power soccer is played on a standard indoor basketball court. The goal area is at the center of each end of the court—26 feet wide and 16.5 feet deep—and goal posts are placed 19 feet, eight inches apart within the goal area. The object of the game is to maneuver the ball through the opponent’s goal posts. Penalty kicks are awarded for rule infractions and to determine the winner of a match ending in a tie score.

On Saturday, October 27th, the Jets “ruggers” eked out a victory over the Carolina Crash team by a score of 37 to 28. Their second rugby match of the day was not as difficult as the Jets flew past the Connecticut Jammers by a 14 goal margin. On Saturday evening in a “precursor of the future” battle, the Jets grounded the Pittsburgh Steelers rugby team by a 41 to 30 score.

On the following “championship” Sunday, the Jets opened up against their perennial rival, the Magee (Philadelphia) Rebels, but this time around they coasted to a 41 to 24 triumph. The past became the future in the tournament championship game as the Jets squared off once more against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The result was even more convincing as the Jets glided to a 13 point victory, and the tournament’s first place trophy.

Jets “rugger” George Taborsky of Smithtown, NY, was named to the All Tournament Team as the “Best Low Point” player.

In addition to Taborsky, local Jets quad rugby players include Long Islanders Brian Amundsen from Mount Sinai, Jim Cabrera from Farmingdale, Joe Jeremias from West Hempstead, and Joe Testaverde from Wantagh; New Jersey players include Keith Cavill from Wayne and Luis Pereira from Englewood Cliffs; and, Matt Castelluccio of Monroe, NY also plays on the Jets squad.

Quad rugby players are individuals who have a combination of upper and lower extremity impairment, and the sport is contested in wheelchairs that are built for speed and maneuverability.
The game is played on a standard basketball court, and a volleyball is used to score points when a player carries the ball over the back line of an eight meter wide goal. Tactics such as “setting a pick” and “checking” are employed to advance the ball up court, and to stop an opposing player’s progress. They also help to make quad rugby an exciting contact sport.

Since 2002, the 25 Hours of Thunderhill race has been held annually at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, California. The event, which was developed by the National Auto Sport Association (NASA) and sponsored by the U.S. Air Force, attracts amateur, factory sponsored, and professional race teams from all over the world. This year, over 45 teams will be competing. Each team will be running closed wheel and sports racers of all types and classifications. The race not only gives manufacturers and race car builders a platform to showcase their vehicles and products, but enables some teams to help support and raise money for their favorite charities––such as team Racing 4 A Reason, of which Salvaggio is a member.

Created through a grassroots movement, Racing 4A Reason helps raise funds for selected charities by soliciting pledges at any monetary amount per lap their cars complete at Thunderhill. The Racing 4A Reason team has four cars competing at this year’s event (one of the biggest teams at Thunderhill), supported by 16 experienced race car drivers (four drivers per car) and a 60-person pit crew. Each car will be racing for two charities, including Salvaggio’s 1965 Factory Five Racing Cobra that will be sporting United Spinal’s logo. The team’s other cars include Factory Five Racing’s mid-engine super car GTM with a Corvette suspension, the race proven MKII that boasts the Ford 302 CI/T5 trans power train and drive train, and the season-winning Camaro~Mustang Challenge (CMC) racecar of Keith Drake.

Salvaggio, who is also Editor in Chief for Thunder Valley Racing, an automobile racing promotions, marketing, and management company created to develop women race car drivers, has an illustrious 20-year career in motorsports with over 150 first place finishes in driving competitions. She has also served nine years in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic and currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of Education Services for the Romoland School District in Riverside, California.

“As I was thinking about charities, I decided that, as an Air Force veteran, I really wanted to do something to help our disabled vets. As an educator, I also have the honor of working with families in developing programs that serve the needs of all our students, including students with spinal cord injuries and disorders,” Salvaggio said. “I believe United Spinal is a wonderful organization that makes a difference in the lives of so many people. I am proud to run this race in their name and help raise awareness of spinal cord injuries and disorders.”

Paul J. Tobin, president and CEO of United Spinal Association said the organization is honored to have gained the support of the Racing 4A Reason Team and one of its talented drivers. “25 Hours of Thunderhill is a tremendous racing event and we are thankful to Karen Salvaggio as well as the whole Racing 4A Reason Team for all their hard work and dedication in helping us increase awareness of spinal cord injuries and disorders. Our organization was built upon the grassroots efforts of our disabled veterans to fight for the rights of all people with disabilities. We very much admire how Racing 4A Reason has taken on a similar grassroots approach to making a difference and are excited that they have joined us in our very important mission.”

For more information on supporting Karen Salvaggio and Racing 4A Reason, or if you would like to make a lap pledge to benefit United Spinal Association, please visit www.racing4areason.com, or call Karen at (951) 941-1314.

About the United Spinal Association
United Spinal Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries or disorders. For over 60 years, we have fought for veteran’s rights and for the rights of all individuals with disabilities. We played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Our initiatives in research and education, government policy and legislation, civil rights and advocacy, accessibility and architectural design, and competitive athletics ensure that veterans and all Americans with spinal cord injury and disease live healthier, more independent and productive lives as active members of their communities. For more information, please visit www.unitedspinal.org or call 800-404-2898.

The United Spinal Association Jets quad rugby team is sponsored in part by the New York Jets National Football League franchise.

Local area quad rugby players include Damon Rozier from Brooklyn; Long Islanders Brian Amundsen from Mount Sinai, Jim Cabrera from Farmingdale, Joe Jeremias from West Hempstead, George Taborsky from Smithtown, and Joe Testaverde from Wantagh; New Jersey players include Keith Cavill from Wayne, Luis Pereira from Englewood Cliffs, and Darren Templeton from Kinnelon; and, Matt Castelluccio of Monroe, NY also plays on the Jets squad.

Quad rugby players are individuals who have a combination of upper and lower extremity impairment. The sport is contested in wheelchairs that are built for speed and maneuverability.
Each quad rugby team fields four (4) players, who are classified using a point system based on their functional level. The game is played on a standard basketball court, and a volleyball is used to score points when a player carries the ball over the back line of an eight meter wide goal.

While the offense is trying to advance the ball, the defense is trying to take it away. The player with the ball must pass or dribble it within 10 seconds, or a turnover is called and the ball is awarded to the opposing team. Basketball tactics such as “setting a pick” and hockey techniques like “checking” are employed to advance the ball up court, and to stop an opposing player’s progress.