Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!cs.utexas.edu!usc!apple!olivea!oliveb!bunker!hcap!hnews!157!3!Sheila.Fava From: Sheila.Fava@f3.n157.z1.fidonet.org (Sheila Fava) Newsgroups: misc.handicap Subject: Re: sports desk report... Message-ID: <14630@bunker.UUCP> Date: 3 Oct 90 14:29:00 GMT Sender: wtm@bunker.UUCP Reply-To: Sheila.Fava@f3.n157.z1.fidonet.org Distribution: misc Organization: FidoNet node 1:157/3 - Nerd's Nook, Rocky River OH Lines: 82 Approved: wtm@bunker.UUCP Index Number: 10797 -> Where are you calling from (city state?) I'm up here in Canada (home of -> accessible igloos). The city I'm in is only now starting up a serious -> program for the disabled and that is only thanks to another sports -> organization from a city well over 200 milles away. We now have a quali -> trainer (coach) but there is a long way to go to as there is a need for -> facilities to be set up so that the disabled can use them as well. -> -> -> I'd be interested in hearing from you about your local facilities and h -> they are run. I'll let you know how we do as we progress. -> -> -> P.S. Anyone for a wicked game of sledge hockey????? Being that I haven't the foggiest idea where you are calling from and I will not hazard a guess, I will tell you I am calling from Las Vegas, Nevada and I am a disABLED Competitive Sprint Swimmer who has competed in Canada since 1985. Nevada? Care about Sports for the disABLED? Surely you jest! Naaaaa, I shouldn't say that...However...... I began swimming as therapy and, after a year of swim therapy, the Doctor suggested that I swim competitively as well as theraputically. Thus began my search for competitions. This was 1983. Each year since 1983, Bill, I have competed at least four times a year. These competitions range from Texas to Michigan and from California to New York. These competitions range from British Columbia (Surrey, Nanaimo, Trail, Penticton and Richmond), Alberta (Calgary and Edmonton) and, next year in June, Toronto, Ontario. If you think, for one minute, that I am one of the Super-Mega-Buck Yanks....I assure you: I am not. Each year I must write funding letters to Casinos and Hotels, to Merchants and Companies, asking for funds that will allow me to travel to these competitions...that will allow me to pay the (average) entry fee associated with the competitions and that will allow me to pay a swim coach (if needed. Not needed so far!). In order to know when these sports for the disABLED (all sports) meets will be held, I became a member of the Sports f/t disABLED organizations here in the States (National Wheelchair Athletic Association, U.S. Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association and Paralyzed Vets of America Auxiliary. I also belong to the Council on Physical Fitness in British Columbia and Alberta. Do not hold your breath waiting for this missive to end soon..... I am the ONLY disABLED Nevadan to actively seek out and compete...The name of my "Team" is The Silver State Silver Streaks"...However, it can be shortened to "Streak". There are no facillities or arrangements made in my metroplex for training disABLED athletes (or -potential- athletes). In order to find out where the competitions are, I rely on the newsletters I receive from the Sports Organizations I belong to. For years, Bill, I have advertised my adventures (and Ms-Adventures) in the local paper. The other -potential- athletes are in the closet or under the bed. I have had very little recognition -- except in the newspapers. You ask about facillities...There are none (at present) except my town's indoor/outdoor swimming pool. I am more than willing to help form a viable Team Nevada and I have a list of sources and sports supplies that are readily available to the -potentiasl- disABLED Athlete. Now, I say to you: Accessible igloo? Really? And, yes, I wi check you in a wicked game of sledge hockey. So there! Cheers..... ---Sheila. ** HOST(ess): ABLED-Athlete Conference ** If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask. -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!157!3!Sheila.Fava Internet: Sheila.Fava@f3.n157.z1.fidonet.org