by Tom Scott
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Bank Division Top honors went to angler Stefan Bozydaj of Highland, NY. Stefan’s 2.5 lb smallmouth bass earned him both 1st Place and Lunker awards.
Bass Fishing Tournament
On September 17, 2005, eight United Spinal members participated in the New England Paralyzed Veterans Association (NEPVA) bass fishing tournament on Lake Winnipesaukee in Moultonbrough, New Hampshire. The one-day tournament is part of the NEPVA Bass Trail, which consists of fishing tournaments throughout the New England area. The American Eagle Bass Anglers- and Bass Federation-sponsored tournaments pair anglers with disabilities with local bass pros to compete as a team to catch the most weight within their limit.
United Spinal member Stefan Bozydaj of Highland, New York took home top honors, receiving both the 1st Place and Lunker Awards for his 2.5 lb. smallmouth bass. Stefan, a Navy veteran and proud grandfather, said he enjoys participating in the tournament because it offers him an opportunity to meet up with fellow veterans.
Annual Hall of Fame Tournament
The United Spinal Nets traveled to the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, to compete in the 2nd Annual Wheelchair Basketball Hall of Fame Tournament on Saturday, October 8th. Many fans were on hand to watch United Spinal battle the Boston Celtics wheelchair basketball team on the Hall’s center court.
Although they didn’t come away with a victory, the team had an enjoyable and memorable experience. After the game, United Spinal players attended a dinner and ceremony honoring wheelchair basketball athletes who were recently inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Jets Tailgating Party
The United Spinal Jets Quad Rugby Team held a tailgating party in the Giants Stadium parking lot before the New York Jets October 9th, 1 pm game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team, which is co-sponsored by New York Jets and United Spinal Association, also gave an exhibition to demonstrate the sport of quad rugby to many curious fans in attendance.
“These United Spinal members love their sport and they enjoy the exhilaration of the competition,” said Victor Calise, United Spinal’s Director of Sports Marketing. “This demonstration is one way we can say thanks to the NFL Jets for supporting wheelchair sports.”
The United Spinal Jets then attended the game, where the New York Jets dismantled the heavily-favored Bucs 14 to 12.
Mayor’s Cup Fall Classic
In early October, the United Spinal Nets participated in the 2005 Mayor’s Cup Wheelchair Basketball Tournament at Manhattan College in the Bronx, New York. The double-elimination tournament, which occurred September 30th to October 2nd, included Division II and III teams from across the country.
Although they lost both of their games, the United Spinal Nets were excited to be on the court competing against some of the most talented teams in the league.
Tom Scott is editor for Communications.
