United Spinal Association and wheelchair athletes the world over lost a close friend and tireless advocate last month.
by Rob Ingraham
Albert Youakim, a nationally known pioneer in the early development of wheelchair sports and a tireless advocate for people with disabilities, died Sunday, August 19, at the age of 82.
Youakim, an influential coach, mentor, and counselor, was a driving force behind the sports program at United Spinal Association and volunteered on behalf of people with disabilities for over 60 years. He was inducted into the National Wheelchair Basketball Hall of Fame and coached track and field at the first International Wheelchair Games in Stokes- Mandeville, England. He coached U.S. teams in Stokes-Mandeville tournaments for 18 years in Japan, Italy, Britain, Argentina, and Germany and organized one of the first wheelchair basketball teams for children—now a major component of wheelchair sports programs around the world. He was instrumental in forming the National Wheelchair Games in the U.S.; he was awarded the Paralyzed Veterans of America’s highest honor, the Speedy Award, for his contribution to improving the lives of people with spinal cord injuries and disabilities; and he was the inaugural recipient of United Spinal’s annual Albert Youakim Community Service Award, presented for “unselfish devotion and loyalty to the disabled community and a natural ability to lead and mentor.”
United Spinal’s President and CEO, Paul J. Tobin, said, “The legacy of Al Youakim is the benchmark for everything that United Spinal Association stands for. No one I know comes close to Al’s 60-years of single- minded dedication to the cause of restoring those with spinal cord injuries to richer lives through the power of sports. His genuine personal warmth, combined with heartfelt concern and a fierce determination to make a difference, sets the standard for us all.”
Brothers in Arms
Born in 1925 and a native of River Edge, New Jersey, Youakim was a retired postal worker and a longtime volunteer fireman. He and his brother, Peter, served with distinction with the Marine Corps during World War II—but Peter Youakim sustained a spinal cord injury in combat and returned home paralyzed. Visiting his brother at what was then St. Albans Naval Hospital in Queens, New York, Youakim frequently accompanied Peter and other paralyzed veterans to the basketball courts at a local gym. Deeply impressed by the courage and determination of the veterans at St. Albans, Youakim organized what may have been the first wheelchair basketball team in the nation. In a few short years, the sport caught fire nationwide and the National Wheelchair Basketball Association was created to serve as its governing body.
After Peter’s discharge from St. Albans, the Youakim brothers formed the Jersey Wheelers and, as more paralyzed veterans were discharged from military and veterans hospitals around the region, competition expanded rapidly. With Al Youakim at the helm, the Jersey Wheelers became one of the top teams in the NWBA, finishing the 1954 season undefeated and capturing the national title against the Brooklyn Whirlaways. During his tenure as coach, Youakim’s Wheelers made a remarkable ten trips to the national finals.
As a leading committee member for the National Wheelchair Athletic Association, Youakim also helped launch the first official National Wheelchair Games, which were held on the grounds of United Spinal Association at Bulova Park in Jackson Heights, New York, for 25 years. The Games included track & field, archery, swimming, basketball, and table tennis. United Spinal also hosts the popular Al Youakim Wheelchair Basketball Invitational which attracts top regional teams each fall to Hackensack, New Jersey.
Bill Hannigan, Director of Sports and Recreation for United Spinal, said, “It is impossible to quantify the impact that Al Youakim has had on the world of wheelchair sports and the lives of hundreds of athletes with disabilities across the country. He not only taught me everything I know about wheelchair competition, he was a profound inspiration during my rehabilitation after spinal cord injury. His confidence in my recovery, his unfailing support, his deep personal commitment to all wheelchair athletes, and his wonderful sense of humor changed everyone who met him. He will be sorely missed.” In one of his last interviews, Youakim said, “I hope that someday the whole country will recognize adaptive sports and embrace the players as true athletes. It’s an exciting time for wheelchair athletes and the sports programs are improving every day. I wish I was 20 years younger so I could get in on it.”
Youakim’s wife, Johanna “Jo” Youakim, passed away on March 29, 2007.
Youakim is survived by 10 nieces and nephews: William and Robert Youakim, Danielle Aigotti, Bonnie Bonkowski, Laura Cancro, Donna Keith, Mary Wahl, John and Susan Russo, and Vincent Wagner.
Rob Ingraham is senior editor.
In Memory of Coach Al
By Tom Scott
There has always been some disagreement about who founded the sport of wheelchair basketball, but one name is certain to come up in discussion—Al Youakim. The game, which he and his brother Peter pioneered at St. Albans, was introduced at the first Paralympic Games in Rome in 1960. Presently, there are 185 teams across the country. The sport has spread to over 80 countries. It is the most popular wheelchair sport in the world and drew more than 10,000 spectators at the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games.
By the late 1940s, the sport of wheelchair basketball was rapidly growing on a national scale. In 1949, due to its increasing popularity, the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) was formed and became the governing body of the sport. Al was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame in 1981.
After Peter’s discharge from St. Albans, the Youakim brothers returned to their hometown of River Edge and formed the Jersey Wheelers. Al’s team made a remarkable 10 trips to the finals during his tenure as coach.
Al had an opportunity in the early 1970s to travel to Puerto Rico with the Wheelers for a televised scrimmage game. There he introduced the sport to over 30,000 in attendance and 300,000 watching on television.
Al’s Wheelers began to form rivalries with local teams, including the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association Chargers (now known as the United Spinal Nets). His relationship with United Spinal grew out of this rivalry. “The Chargers kept recruiting my top players. So I called up [Board Member] Ed Rowan, who was the Association’s sports director at the time, and asked him if he would recruit me as well,” Youakim said.
After a 30-year coaching career with the Wheelers, Al was offered a position with the Chargers, becoming a valuable resource to many United Spinal members. He had been a shining light within the association’s adaptive sports program, participating in clinics to introduce the games to individuals from all backgrounds, with and without disabilities; coaching basketball and track and field; mentoring athletes; and, most importantly, being a great friend and supporter.
“All About the Athletes”
If you ask Al, he’d say he never planned on getting involved with adaptive sports, and that he just happened to be in the right place at the right time. The contributions he has made over the years, however, are unrivaled. After 60 years of volunteerism, Al considers his finest achievements to be the friendships he has formed and all the individuals he has helped. “You couldn’t buy all the friends I’ve made. To me that’s the biggest payoff,” he said.
Tom Scott is staff editor.
In Memoriam: Cliff Crase
United Spinal Association sadly notes the passing of a remarkable man, athlete, editor, writer and friend.
By Paul J. Tobin
Cliff Crase, long-time editor of PVA Publications, Paraplegia News and Sports N’Spokes, passed away on August 15, 2007.
Cliff was a U.S. Air Force veteran, a great athlete before and after his injury (he was inducted in the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame and the National Wheelchair Basketball Hall of Fame), a great businessman, and a gifted writer. Cliff traveled widely and through his work and outgoing personality, contributed immeasurably to advancing the tenets of equality and inclusion, and touched countless lives.
Though we were aware of Cliff’s short illness, the news of his death strikes a heavy blow in the hearts of all who were fortunate at some time or another to bask in his presence. Cliff exuded great personal warmth and enthusiasm. He had the gift of relating to all and of making everyone feel special.
If we could remember to practice even a smidgen of Cliff’s demeanor and warmth in our lives, we would indeed be paying homage to this exemplary man who truly paved the way for our members and for all persons with disabilities.
Paul J. Tobin is President and CEO of United Spinal Association.
