By Tom Scott and Jennifer M. Rodriguez
United Spinal Jets (from left to right) George Taborsky, Luis Marcelo, Keith Cavill, Brian Amundsen and Jim Bennet Jr. visited our executive offices in February.
Murderball . . . A Triumph of Love over Loss
On February 15th, United Spinal Jets quad rugby player Keith Cavill, star of the award-winning documentary Murderball, gave a presentation to staff and guests at United Spinal’s National Headquarters in Jackson Heights, New York. Cavill, who broke his neck in a 2003 motorcross accident, discussed how his life has been affected by spinal cord injury, his role in Murderball, and how United Spinal has inspired him to get involved with the disabled community. “Seeing all the lives United Spinal Association has touched truly motivated me to get the message out that life goes on,” Cavill said. “Many newly injured do not realize that they have the power to get back into life.” And Cavill has done just that, crediting his participation in the Jets quad rugby team as a contributing factor. “It has been a great experience having a role on the team. We are just one big family. We are all injured, so we have a very different outlook on life and we can relate to each other’s issues.”
During the question and answer segment of his presentation, Cavill was joined by a few of his fellow rugby teammates who agreed that adaptive sports have played a big role in their recovery and their quality of life. “When I first got hurt I kept to myself and did my own thing. I was invited to try out for wheelchair rugby and it changed my life. The team camaraderie is awesome and I have had such great experiences,” said rugby player George Taborsky.
Although his whole world has changed since his injury, Cavill said it has been a very rewarding experience and he has had the opportunity to do many new and interesting things. Presently, Cavill would like to pursue television and movie roles and bring his powerful message, and that of United Spinal, to people all over the world. “My goal is to gain recognition for our team and United Spinal,” Cavill added.
Funds raised during the event will be used toward the purchase of new wheelchair rugby equipment for the United Spinal Jets, as well as possibly funding a United Spinal wheelchair rugby tournament.
United Spinal Liberty Emily Seelenfreund passes the ball over an opponent to teammate Mariya Redden as the Liberty gained experience at the National Championship in March. (Photo courtesy of AliceFayeLove@yahoo.com)
Liberty Compete in Nationals
On March 2-4, the United Spinal Liberty women’s wheelchair basketball team competed in the 32nd Annual National Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Tournament at the Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham, Alabama. This was the team’s first appearance at the Nationals, which brought together 11 of the top women’s wheelchair basketball teams from around the country, including numerous Paralympians from the 2004 Athens Games. The Liberty exited the tournament with a 1-3 record, but gained great experience in their first season of play. With only 14 women’s wheelchair basketball teams nationwide, the Liberty players are proud of their 10th place finish and look toward stepping up their game for next season .
This year’s National Champion title went to the University of Illinois. Last year, the RIC Express squeezed past the Fighting Illini with an exciting 40-39 victory. But, this year, there was no denying Illinois the crown as they cruised past the Los Angeles Sparks, 62-35, in the final game.
Youth Sled Hockey Team Claims Top Spot in ASHL
The United Spinal Rangers youth sled hockey team is in the first place in the Atlantic Sled Hockey League (ASHL) with an 8-1 record for the 2005-2006 season. The Vineland Stars follow in second with a 7-5 record. The United Spinal Rangers, formerly known as the Woodbridge Warriors, consists of youths with spinal disabilities, ages 12 to 18. Kevin Fee and John Eberhardt co-coach the team, assisted by Team Manager Angela Fee and Administrator Mike Pickett.
“It feels really good to be on a team that comes that far in such a little time. I am the goalie, so I have to credit my defense. My favorite part about sled hockey is that it is so competitive, I just had a funny feeling before the season started because I saw that everyone worked so hard to get us to where we are now. I mean we have had a few games this where we all had to look at each other and say ‘Who wants it more.’ I have a lot of fun when I am playing, I don’t think about anything else. I would like to thank our coaches for all of there hard work,” said Chris Buchok, United Spinal Rangers goalie.
The ASHL consists of five teams: The United Spinal Rangers, Vineland Sled Stars, Bennet Blazers, South Jersey Wings of Steel, and Atlantic Hammerheads. The teams travel throughout New Jersey and neighboring states to compete.
For more information on the ASHL please visit www.atlanticsled.com, or if you have questions about the United Spinal Rangers youth sled hockey team, please visit www.unitedspinal.org or call Victor Calise at 718-803-3782 ext. 274.
6th Annual Bowling Tournament
Over 50 individuals with disabilities from New York, Pennsylvania, and Maine recently competed in United Spinal Association’s 6th Annual Bowling Tournament, on Thursday, March 9th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tournament was hosted by Hoe Bowl Lanes, Route 9, Wappingers Falls, New York, and was open to all members of the Association. Approximately 35 bowlers with disabilities competed in Castle Point, New York with other groups competing at satellite locations in Philadelphia, Wilkes-Barre, and Lebanon, Pennsylvania; Buffalo, New York; and Togus, Maine. Satellite locations faxed in their scores to Hoe Bowl Lanes.
“Throughout the year, United Spinal sponsors several bowling programs for its members,” stated Albert Guarneri, United Spinal recreation aide, Sports and Recreation. “This tournament allows these individuals to test their skills against their peers while enjoying a strong sense of camaraderie.”
The tournament had five divisions: ramp, handle ball, push stick, manual quadriplegic, manual novice, and manual open. Watch Action for announcements of future all-United Spinal tournaments.
Tom Scott is editor. Jennifer M. Rodriguez is Public Affairs officer.
