by Tom Scott

New Beginnings and Old Memories: The United Spinal Jets Quad Rugby Team

The successful summer release of the movie Murderball, a documentary on the hard- nosed sport of quad rugby, has boosted interest in the United Spinal Jets quad rugby program. The team, now stacked with 10 new players, including Murderball star Keith Cavill, has been hard at work preparing for the new season after a year-long hiatus. Wearing badges in memory of their former teammate and 11-year quad rugby veteran Scott Davies who passed away in June 2005, the team practices every week in Hackensack, New Jersey. The United Spinal Jets have dedicated this season to Davies, who was one of their most talented and active members, and a source of inspiration for many of the players.

On October 21 to 23, the Jets participated in the “Beast of the East” tournament in West Deptford, New Jersey, and placed 4th overall. The team also completed the Connecticut Classic Wheelchair Rugby Invitational Tournament on November 13th and 14th in Farmington where they finished 3rd overall. Other teams that competed in the tournament included the Casco Bay Navigators, Magee Philadelphia Eagles, and Connecticut Jammers.

For more information on the United Spinal Jets quad rugby team, please visit www.unitedspinal.org or call 718-803-3782 ext. 270 or 271.

Murderball Screening

Thanks to the support of the United Spinal Jets quad rugby team as well as staff from the National Headquarters Jackson Heights, Queens, the association raised $256 during a screening of the movie Murderball. The screening, which was orchestrated by United Spinal Jets player Keith Cavill of Murderball, took place on Sunday, October 16, at the Wayne Preakness Cinemas in Wayne, New Jersey. Approximately 75 to 100 people were in attendance. United Spinal raffled off a football autographed by New York Jets

Murderball won the Documentary Audience Award and a Special Jury Prize for editing at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival. Its popularity has raised the awareness of the general public about living with spinal cord injuries and diseases and has helped boost participation in adaptive sports. “The movie was truly an eye-opener as it clearly illustrated how a disability can be overcome with the help of family and friends. Life does go on,” said one attendee. Murderball was released on video on November 29th. For more information, please visit www.murderballmovie.com. Also see page 5 of this issue for information on how you can purchase the DVD and raise funds for United Spinal at the same time.

11th Annual Al Youakim Basketball Tournament

On Saturday, November 5th and 6th, the top wheelchair basketball teams in the east converged on Hackensack High School in Hackensack, New Jersey, to battle the United Spinal Association Nets for the 11th Annual Al Youakim Wheelchair Basketball Invitational Tournament championship title. The two-day tournament, which is cosponsored by United Spinal Association and the New Jersey Nets, paid tribute to legendary United Spinal Nets Coach Al Youakim, a pioneer of wheelchair basketball and a leading advocate for athletes with disabilities. Other teams featured at this year’s tournament included the NY Rolling Knicks, Magee Sixers, and the NEPVA Celtics, which are all co-sponsored by their respective NBA teams. The Magee Sixers took the 1st Place trophy back to Philly, winning all three of their games. The United Spinal Nets finished 0-3, but rallied late to almost beat the NEPVA Celtics in a thrilling game on Saturday afternoon.

During the weekend of the tournament, the United Spinal Association hosted a ceremony to award Youakim with its 1st Annual Al Youakim Community Service Award (this month’s cover story) in recognition of his 60 years of loyal dedication, leadership, and service on behalf of our nation’s veterans and all Americans with disabilities. During the tournament, New Jersey Nets Dancers Laura and Melanie presented Youakim with a basketball autographed by New Jersey Nets player Vince Carter.

Player Awards:

Class I: Kevin Grant, NY Rolling Knicks Class I: Andre Kelly, Magee 76ers Class II: Shannon Burgess,

Magee 76ers Class II: Patrick Donaghey,

United Spinal Nets Class III: Edy Lopez, United Spinal Nets Class III: Omar Benetiz, NEPVA Celtics Freddy Jones Sportsmanship Award:

Kevin Grant, NY Rolling Knicks Most Valuable Player:

Valdez Bradley, Magee 76ers

Sled Hockey in Saugerties

In early October, representatives from the United Spinal Islanders and Rangers sled hockey teams hosted an exhibition game against the Saugerties/Kingston junior varsity teams at the Kiwanis Ice Arena in Saugerties, New York. Following the game, which the Islanders and Rangers won 9-5, United Spinal held a children’s clinic to demonstrate the sport of sled hockey. After the demonstration, children were given the opportunity to try out the equipment during a scrimmage game.

According to the Saugerties Times, the Kiwanis Ice Arena is working on an expansion project to provide additional services for individuals with spinal cord injury and disease. United Spinal’s participation in sled hockey exhibitions and clinics at the arena has increased awareness of those services needed in order for all individuals to have the opportunity to enjoy the arena.

NWSA Mourns Loss of Speake

The National Wheelchair Softball Association (NWSA) reports that its former commissioner, Jon Speake, passed away on October 24th after a brief battle with lung cancer. Speake, who was NWSA’s commissioner for an unprecedented three 7-year terms, was influential in the growth of wheelchair softball as well as creating successful partnerships with Major League Baseball. He was also an active organizer and participant in the adaptive sports of track and field and basketball and mentored countless individuals with disabilities to lead successful and independent lives. Speake is survived by his wife Lynn, son Jon Jr., daughter Heather, and grandson Alex. He will be greatly missed by the entire adaptive sports community.

NYC MS Bike Tour

On October 16th, the United Spinal Handcycling Team was out in full force, joining 5,000 participants for the 2005 New York City MS Bike Tour. A total of 16 United Spinal riders, including staff members from the National Headquarters in Queens, New York, raised $310 in donations for the New York City Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The tour, which consisted of 30-, 60-, and 100-mile routes along the FDR and Harlem River Drives, began at the South Street Seaport and finished at Chelsea Piers. The event raised over $1 million for research and treatment of MS. The Society is continuing to accept donations. For more information, please visit www.nationalmssociety.org.

United Spinal Supports Illinois Chapter of SCIA

United Spinal recently donated performance running singlets to the Illinois Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association (SCIA). The singlets were used by SCIA members who competed in the 26.2-mile LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon on October 9th. The marathon has been a part of Chicago’s history since 1977, when 4,200 gathered in Chicago for the inaugural race. In 2005, the number of participants reached 40,000.

“The response to The 2005 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon has been truly remarkable”, said Event Chairman and Executive Vice President Mark A. Nystuen. “It is an indication of how popular the event has become. The partnerships we’ve developed between the participants, sponsors, volunteers, staff and the City of Chicago have produced a truly great experience for runners of all levels from around the world.”

Jessica Galli, a newcomer to the marathon this year said, “We felt honored to be treated so well. This was my first marathon and so of course it was an experience. I had a great time in Chicago and racing in the marathon. I am not a long distance type of person, but I wanted to do a marathon at least once in my life and I am glad I chose to start with Chicago.”

Tom Scott is editor in Communications.