After a long Buffalo winter, the cure for a severe bout of cabin fever could only be a dose of Buffalo Madness. Please be advised that the treatment should be taken with plenty of food, water and fun.
“Though this be madness, yet there is method in’t.” -William Shakespeare, Hamlet
Each year the Buffalo Office of United Spinal jump-starts the summer season with a weeklong event of various adaptive sporting clinics for our members in Western New York. Given the hectic nature of the action- packed week, the event became known as “Buffalo Madness.”
Buffalo Madness was established as a local warm-up session for those members competing in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. Though this method is still true, Madness has become a successful catalyst in promoting the physical wellness for all individuals with disabilities who attend.
This year, Buffalo Madness started off with a bang on Friday, June 4, as members gathered at Allied Sportsmen in Alden, New York, for clinics in Air Riflery, Archery and Trap Shooting. The day began indoors with the adaptive Air Rifle and Archery clinics. Experts from the club worked with the participants to teach the proper skills and safety procedures required for the activities. After a short dinner break, the event moved outdoors for Trap Shooting. Members fine- tuned their aiming skills by using various gauged shotguns to shoot down clay pigeons (targets) launched into the air. Judging by the good time had by all, the Shooting Clinic definitely hit a bull’s eye on the “favorites scale.”
On Saturday, the fun continued when members headed out to Isle View Park in Tonawanda for the Handcycling Clinic. Handcycling is an adaptive version of bicycling for individuals who have limited to no use of their lower extremities. The cycles are equipped with a seat, three wheels and hand “peddles” that allow for operation and steering via the use of upper body movement.
Isle View Park proved to be an ideal location for the clinic, as it is equipped with a paved bike path stretching for miles along the Niagara River. The setting is truly picturesque, providing a view of the river and landscaping that create numerous breathtaking scenes for the cycle riders. Fortunately, Mother Nature was quite generous, as we had a full day of sunshine and warm temperatures.
After a full day of handcycling, everyone geared up for the 4th Annual Kevin Forczek Memorial Basketball Game between the Buffalo-based Chariots and the New York City-based Nets. Both teams are sponsored by United Spinal Association. The game began at 5:00 p.m. at Erie County Community College’s North Campus in Williamsville. The event kept spectators on the edge of their seats, as the score was neck and neck until the final buzzer. Despite the rotational advantage the Chariots had over the Nets, the latter team of five tired individuals managed to squeak out a win. But this game was not about victory.
Although the natural competitive spirit was prevalent throughout the game, both teams united under the goal of celebrating the memory of a dear friend, Kevin Forczek, a National Service Officer in Buffalo and former Chariot who passed away far too soon in December 2000.
Kevin is also remembered each year with the Annual Kevin Forczek Sportsmanship Award, given to a teammate. This year’s recipient was Ray Garcia, a veteran Chariot of many years, who, after a short departure, returned to the team this year to take on the position of coach. Since his return, Coach Garcia has demonstrated the kind of team spirit and sportsmanship that was the true essence of Kevin Forczek.
Following the award presentation, the Chariots hosted a Basketball Clinic for children interested in the sport. Team Captain Steve Spitz led the clinic with numerous activities and drills established to demonstrate the basic skills of wheelchair basketball. The clinic proved to be a great success, and, therefore, numerous plans are currently in the works to continue some junior wheelchair basketball activities. For further information, please contact the Buffalo Regional Office.
The jam-packed Madness schedule continued on into Sunday for a second Handcycling Clinic in the morning followed by the first-ever Softball Clinic at North Tonawanda High School. Wheelchair softball is played on a paved surface, with the regulation bases painted directly onto the field of play. Participants learned the basics of softball and were able to test out their new skills in a couple of games. This clinic sparked quite an interest in the participants, and we hope to establish a softball team to compete in the future.
It was definitely a manic Monday with the Field Events Clinic scheduled at Westwood Park in Lancaster, New York. It was a perfect summer day in Buffalo to spend outdoors throwing the shot put, discus and javelin. While some members took turns trying out the different field events, others sat nearby taking advantage of the abundant sunshine and entertaining conversations.
Every Buffalonian knows that a Western New York event is not complete without an array of culinary delights. United Spinal generously provides meals to each participant throughout Madness. This year, we were fortunate to receive a small donation from Wegmans Food and Pharmacy (a local grocery chain), to help add to the weeklong buffet.
Unfortunately, as we know, all good things must come to an end. On Tuesday, June 8, Buffalo Madness wrapped things up with a Bowling Clinic. Many participants did not need any introduction to the popular sport, as they get together weekly to compete with the United Spinal Association Buffalo Rollers Bowling team. We were able to welcome a few new faces to the sport, who rolled out some impressive novice averages. After playing a few games, we all gathered for a late lunch seasoned with light-hearted conversation and a lot of laughter.
With another successful Buffalo Madness event behind us, the Buffalo Office and its membership look forward to the remainder of our summer events. We Buffalonians continue the summer fun with a membership picnic, Buffalo Bills tailgate party, and Buffalo Bills Training Camp ventures. Whether participating or watching, it is a solid guarantee that a good time will be had by all! We look forward to next year, and we hope to welcome many new faces as the “madness” continues.
Melanie Schmitz is Administrative Assistant in the Buffalo Office.
