Wheelchair Sports Federation | Adaptive Sports Organization

Tri-State Regional Track & Field Games (NY)

Written by John Hamre

On Saturday May 19, the New York City Parks Paralympic Sport Club Track & Field team took part in their first nationally certified competition. Six athletes competed on behalf of New York City Parks at the Tri-State Regional Wheelchair and Ambulatory Games at Lincoln Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. The Tri-State Games featured almost 100 Paralympic athletes from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

The New York City athletes competed in the throwing events and made an outstanding showing in their first official competition. Mandeep Sighn, from Manhattan, was first place in the Adult Men’s shot put for class F55. His younger brother, Malkeet Sighn, swept his events, taking first place in the shot put, discus and javelin in the under 18 age group for class F57. Faye Ross, also from Manhattan, was first place in the shot put in the Futures age group of class F36. Ivan Alevante from Manhattan was first place in the shot put and discus in the under 20 age group for class F35. Ivan was the first youth athlete to join the track team when it began in 2009. Two athletes from Queens also did extremely well. Kenny Richetti was first place in the shot put, discus and javelin in the under 18 age group of class F 35. Luis Laureano was first place in all three events in the under 14 age group for class F 37.

We at the NYC Parks Paralympic Sport Club are very proud of all the athletes and are thankful to the Tri-State Wheelchair Athletes Association (TSWAA) for hosting our group at this great event. It was a tremendous way to end the season.

Last Updated on Saturday, 26 May 2012 16:42

3rd Annual Paralympic Sport NY Track & Field Open

Written by John Hamre

On Thursday May 17, 2012 the Third Annual Paralympic Sport New York Track & Field Open was held at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island. This event was sponsored by the New York City Parks Department and involved 17 schools from the New York City Department of Education. This year’s track meet hosted 181 student athletes with physical disabilities who ranged from kindergarten to high school seniors. Schools came from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.

Student athletes competed in 100, 200 and 400 meter runs and relay races on the track. There was also a slalom obstacle course. In the field, future Paralympians competed in the long jump, discus, shot put, and javelin throw and bocce ball.

This was the first competitive track & field meet for many of the athletes. The entries included Athletes with Visual Impairments, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Traumatic Brain Injuries and Strokes, Muscular Dystrophy, Dwarfism, Spinal Cord Injuries and Hearing Impairments.

The meet organizers would also like to thank students from Children’s Workshop School, TASS Middle School, and Regis High School for a terrific volunteer effort. Tremendous thanks also to the NYC Department of Education, NYC Parks, Wheelchair Sports Federation, US Paralympics, City Parks Foundation and the Randall’s Island Park Alliance.

Congratulations to all the athletes.

Last Updated on Friday, 25 May 2012 01:24

PVA Handcycling Clinic (NY)

Written by John Hamre

The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) hosted a Handcycling clinic for Veterans and disabled adults on Wednesday May 15, 2012 at Fort Totten NY. Over 30 riders came out to try the sport of handcycling and learn from experienced riders. With the help of 10 volunteers from New York City Parks and Recreation, United Spinal Association and Wheelchair Sports Federation, all had the chance to try out the specialized equipment and take a ride along the Cross Island Parkway.

For more information about upcoming PVA Handcycling Clinics, please visit http://www.pva.org/site/c.ajIRK9NJLcJ2E/b.6306009/k.B4BC/Adaptive_Handcycling_Clinics.htm

The Bench 5K Play Fit-Stay Fit!

Written by John Hamre

10 Handcyclers and 4 Push Rim Racers participated in the 2012 Bench 5K Run/Walk to benefit Play Fit-Stay Fit! on Saturday May 12, 2012 in Stony Brook NY. Play Fit-Stay Fit! is a comprehensive wellness program for child survivors of cancer and their families that provides fitbess, psychosocial, and nutritional support for the entire family.

Top handcyclers were Ricardo Corral, Billy Hannigan and Cristobal Rivera.

For more information about Play Fit-Stay Fit!

Last Updated on Sunday, 13 May 2012 03:40

2012 TD Bank Five Boro Bike Tour (NY)

Written by John Hamre

Wheelchair Sports Federation teamed up with the Wounded Warrior Project on Sunday May 6th, 2012 for a day of cruising through New York City on Handcycles. The handcyclers joined over 35,000 cyclists for the 40 mile to your that went through all five boroughs of New York City. Starting in Manhattan and going through Queens,Bronx, Brooklyn and ending in Staten Island.

The morning started off overcast but as the day progressed the sun came out and it was just an all-around beautiful day to cycle. To end a perfect ride the crew regrouped at South Street Seaport for a victory lunch.

For more information about the Bike New York please go to http://www.bikenewyork.org

Last Updated on Saturday, 12 May 2012 23:52

More Articles...