Members of the Nationals Curling Team, held in Utica in December, are from left: Melissa Keiser, Robert Prenoveau, Tom Hansen, Mark Taylor, Danell Libby, James Joseph, James Pierce, and Augusto Perez.

Five wheelchair athletes from New York competed in the 2007 World Wheelchair Curling Championships in Solleftea, Sweden, Feb. 17-24. Team members were: Mark Taylor, Deansboro, N.Y.; Danell Libby, Sprakers, N.Y.; James Joseph, New Hartford, N.Y.; James Pierce, North Syracuse, N.Y.; and Augusto Perez, East Syracuse, N.Y.

The U.S. finished sixth following a thrilling, come-from-behind victory over Korea, which put them in a position to play a tie-breaker match for a playoff spot against Switzerland. But the team fell to the Swiss, 5-4, and missed out on the medal round.

 Coach Bill Rotton from the Utica Curling Club and volunteers are hoping to spread the wheelchair curling movement throughout the United States, and are especially interested in engaging wounded members of the military. Curling provides a wonderful opportunity for individuals with disabilities to compete equally with others with disabilities and able-bodied curlers. It is the camaraderie as well as the competition that bonds all curlers together.

When curling, two teams of four members each slide stones down a sheet of ice to a target. Each team member throws two stones in each end (like a baseball inning); skill and strategy are the game’s elements. Strength is not as important as most people think, as the stones slide rather easily.

A list of existing curling clubs is available at www.usacurl.org.

Any person interested in learning more about wheelchair curling may contact Rotton at 315-797-2975, or bprotton@borg.com.

Registration Open for 2nd Annual Extremity Games

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of College Park Industries/Forest Creative Group

Watersports Complex in Orlando, Fla. The expanded 2007 event includes: skateboarding, wakeboarding, rock climbing*, BMX biking, mountain biking, in-line skating, Moto-X*, kayaking, surfing*, and skydiving*.

*Advanced competition will be held at an off-site location.

Many of the 10 judged competitions contain gender and experience-level breakout divisions for a total cash purse over $45,000, in addition to other prizes. For more event information or to register online, visit www.extremitygames.com.

Extremity Games blog now available

Blog on to the latest news about the Extremity Games at www.extremitygames.com/blog/.

Ford Mobility Motoring Program sponsors shuttle vans

Ford Motor Company has signed on as transportation sponsor and will fund the shuttle vans used by athletes, staff, spectators, and volunteers at eX2.

“We are very pleased that Ford Mobility Motoring Program is involved in the O&P Extremity Games as the transportation sponsor,” said Eric Robinson, president of College Park Industries. “It’s a great fit between two excellent programs. Ford Mobility Motoring and the O&P Extremity Games both provide people with physical disabilities, such as limb loss or limb difference, an opportunity to achieve goals and aspirations. We cannot thank Ford Motor Company enough. Their monetary support is crucial to the ongoing success of this monumental athletic event.”