 |
| Photos courtesy of Susan Byrne Rossi |
The 2007 Desert Challenge Regional Games drew 70 athletes and coaches from nine states to the Arizona State University (ASU) campus, April 19 to 22.
The Games, sponsored by Arizona Disabled Sports (previously known as Mesa Association of Sports for the Disabled), returned to ASU for seven competitions and three clinics. The Games were sanctioned by Wheelchair Sports USA and were qualifiers for the National Junior Disability Championships and U.S. Paralympic National Championships.
In the Adults classification, Erik Hightower and Troy Davis qualified for the U.S. Paralympic National Championships in track.
More than half of the competitors were in the Division E classification — 19- to 21-year-olds — and the Adults classification — 22- to 39-year-olds. Masters 40 years old and older and juniors as young as 6 years old were represented.
This year’s APS Power Player Award, an award presented to the athlete who demonstrates exceptional character and sportsmanship and presented by sponsor Grand Canyon State Games, went to Kelly Borchard, of California. Borchard competed in all six track events — the 100-, 200-, 400-, 800-, 1500- and 5000-meter events.
Last year’s APS Power Player winner, Adam Schmucki, back from his first international competition in South Africa, swam in six events, qualifying for nationals in all six and went on to qualify in five track events.
The athlete competing in the greatest number of competitions this year (14) was Dennis Nedrow of the Arizona Heat.
Local Division B competitors (10- to 12-year-olds) Stephen Binning and Joe Underwood qualified for nationals in all seven of their events; Binning in track and field and Underwood in swimming.
The local Arizona Heat team fielded the most participants including Lucy Morgan and Laura Betzler, in swimming, and Paul Rodriguez, Jay Brimley and Sarah Parker in track. Jason Gradyan of Las Vegas Blaze Sports competed in field, swimming and track as he prepared for a pentathlon competition.
Other events included the University of Arizona wheelchair track team and the Desert Challenge Air Rifle shooting competition. Clinics featured tennis, cycling, and basketball.
The 2008 Desert Challenge Regional Games are tentatively scheduled for April 17–20, at ASU.
|
Sgt. Joseph Danes and retired Lance Cpl. Joseph Lowe recently joined Sun Valley Adaptive Sports (SVAS) as board members. Both Marines were severely wounded in Iraq. Lowe is a paraplegic and Danes suffered massive internal injuries after being run over twice by a five-ton truck.
During the past two years, these Boise, Idaho residents have taken part in the weeklong Snowsports Camp in Sun Valley.
 |
 |
| Lance Cpl. Joseph Lowe (Ret.) |
Sgt. Joseph Danes |
“The therapeutic benefits of learning mono-skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, and sled hockey have been life changing for these men,” said Tom Iselin, executive director of SVAS.
After last winter’s Snowsports Camp, Danes said, “This experience has motivated me to inspire other service members to achieve their dreams and aspirations.”
Lowe has gone on to learn a number of summer sports such as wakeboarding and fly-fishing. He has plans to compete in a 200-mile able-bodied bike race, though he’ll be using a handcycle. He hopes his training and the competition will inspire other people with disabilities to participate in sports and recreational activities.
Iselin added, “As board members, these men will provide tremendous insight into building an organization centered on the rehabilitative needs of wounded service members. We’re honored and proud to have them join our board.”
Photos courtesy of Sun Valley Adaptive Sports
|
|
The number of participants nearly doubled from last year’s figure, as about 20 people hit the extensive handcycling bike path network on mountainous terrain in June during the Summit County’s Handcycle and Adaptive Mountain Bike Festival. The event was held at the Keystone Adaptive Center, Keystone Resort and was presented by the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC).
Mountain bikers headed to the Summit Chair at River Run while road bikers took to the bike paths. Participants tried both mediums over the course of the weekend and bikes of several types were available. This event provided a great opportunity for many, as bikes are not easily accessible to everyone because they’re fairly expensive.
The hot summer makes it nearly impossible for some to venture into handcycling, but the camaraderie found at such events is important, especially since newcomers may find aspects of the sport difficult to capture at first.
One of the many volunteers on hand for instructional and guided rides was Sarah Will, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist and former women’s world champion in disabled skiing, and executive director of AXS Vail Valley, a nonprofit corporation that encourages the growth of recreation programs and services for physically disabled Vail Valley residents and visitors.
“We try to improve services offered by such organizations as BOEC and expand on what already exists,” Will said. “The BOEC will offer handcycling and adaptive mountain biking lessons throughout the summer.” For more information, visit www.boec.org, or call (970) 453-6422.
|
|
 Fall is the perfect time to get out and enjoy Southern Vermont at the Bart J. Ruggiere Adaptive Sports Center.
The Bart Center provides boats and equipment for paddling on the flat BattenKill River. Those interested in cycling the area can obtain maps of routes that are relatively flat. (You must have your own cycle).
Both activities are great ways to get ready for the upcoming ski season.
The Bart Center also offers ski lessons at the Bromley Ski Resort, providing the latest in adaptive equipment and training.
Reservations are required for all activities.
For more information, visit www.bartcenter.com, e-mail bartcenter@comcast.net, or call (802) 824-5522 ext. 430; in summer and fall, call (802) 447-1054.
|
|
|  Common Ground Outdoor Adventures of northern Utah offers year-round, adaptive, outdoor recreational opportunities for youths and adults with disabilities.
Late summer and fall events include white water rafting, cycling and camping trips to national parks in the west. All trips are accessible via airport shuttles from Salt Lake International Airport to Logan, Utah. Equipment, meals, and transportation from Logan are included in the costs.
Yellowstone National Park, Sept. 13 - 16
America’s first national park is quiet this time of year as tourists have vacated and the wildlife comes out of hiding. Sights to be seen are Geyser Basin, Artist Point, Mammoth Springs and Old Faithful ($170).
San Juan River Rafting Trip, Oct. 11 - 14
A tributary of the Colorado River in southeastern Utah, the San Juan River is host to Native American ruins, diverse animal and plant life, and interesting geological features. Take in the sights of the desert as you raft down the river ($210).
Arches National Park, Oct. 24 - 26
An opportunity to see the red rock scenery of the canyons and the arches that formed over millions of years, including the famous Delicate Arch ($110).
Scholarships
Trip prices are based on an income-sliding scale; the above prices are on general guidelines. Contact the office to determine if you qualify for financial assistance. Scholarships are available to persons who are blind or visually impaired. Up to $200 may be awarded to each participant and may be used on multiple trips.
For more information or to sign up for activities, call us at (435) 713-0288, or visit www.cgadventures.org. |
|
