Sheila.Fava@f3.n157.z1.fidonet.org (Sheila Fava) (09/21/90)
Index Number: 10609
Dear ALL:
Being that this is such a flaming Conference, I think I'll
add some fuel to the fire.....
Has anyone ever floated the Rio Grande? The Colorado? Well, all
you brave souls out there, it can be done! The float-trip I went
on several years ago was a positive thrill for me. Why? Cause I
didn't think that those kinds of trips were available. I thought
I'd spend my days looking at the National Geographic Magazine or
brochures that float-trip companies leave at tourist Rest Stops.
Here, for the edification of all the arm-chair (and other chairs
like the living-room sofa or the kitchen creation from Mom's
generation) are a few adventurous ideas from the Sports Desk:
Float the Rio Grande....Texas/Mexico. Improve your Spanish.
Have a Grande and Glorious time lazing a day or two away.
Get a mid-Autumn suntan. Socialize with a nift co-ed group.
CONTACT: Wilderness Inquiry
1313 Fifth Street S.E. Suite #327
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Phone: (612)379-3858
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November 3, 1990
Cerebral Palsy Bowling Tournament
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
CONTACT: Sandi Reed
Cityparks
400 City County Building
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412)422-6577
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1991! -- INTERNATIONAL Special Olympics Summer Games -- 1991!
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
CONTACT: Roy Smalley
Special Olympics International
1350 New York Ave., NW #500
Washington, D.C. 20005
Phone: (202) 347-1750
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If you find that any of these phone numbers or addresses are
incorrect, please notify me.
Thanks.
---Sheila.
** HOST(ess): ABLED-Athlete Conference **
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Internet: Sheila.Fava@f3.n157.z1.fidonet.orgSheila.Fava@f3.n157.z1.fidonet.org (Sheila Fava) (10/03/90)
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.
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Internet: Sheila.Fava@f3.n157.z1.fidonet.orgMortimer.Chudley@f415.n259.z1.fidonet.org (Mortimer Chudley) (10/09/90)
Index Number: 10956
If you are in Toronto you might get some information from the Canadian
Paraplegic Association. It is overall a pretty crummy outfit that spends
most of the money it raises paying staff salaries to raise more money but
they could at least look up some things in their reference books for you.
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Internet: Mortimer.Chudley@f415.n259.z1.fidonet.orgSheila.Fava@f3.n157.z1.fidonet.org (Sheila Fava) (10/10/90)
Index Number: 10992
Date: 10-01-90 (00:25)
Subj: RE: SPORTS DESK REPORT...
GREETS! Bill,
Allow me to quote the letter you mailed on 01-Oct-90:
BH> The city is Kingston, Ontario. It's just about 200 miles east
of Toronto. They roll the sidewalks up around 9:00 pm here.
SF> Ahhhh, Kingston...I didn't get that far East: just as far as
Toronto to spec out the Can-Am Games site. The Games will be
held next June 16-30 and I wanted to make sure the site was
totally accessible (which it was) so that I could assure any
questions about the site were answerable.
You are right on the New York border, near Ottawa, eh? You are
in a very strategic area (whether you know it or not) in that you
would be able to attend the Can-Am Games and the Joint National
Championships held in July, 1991, on Long Island, New York. I
hope * both * the Games will be held back-to-back so that
competing athletes (in both Games) will not experience a break in
the training/competition schedule.
SF> I will tell you I am calling from Las Vegas, Nevada and I am a
SF> disABLED Competitive Sprint Swimmer who has competed in Canada
SF> since 1985.
BH> Remind me to pen up my killer guppies when your're in Toronto!!
BH> <GRIN>
SF> Remind me to be EXTRA-courteous to those KILLER guppies of yours.
<SNEER!> JKJKJK!
SF> Nevada? Care about Sports for the disABLED? Surely you jest!
BH> Hmmm... sounds familiar.
SF> Yeah, Bill, the 'benign neglect' that the disABLED have suffered
at the hands/hearts/minds of the AB -- has it -really- been on
purpose? I think not...but what do you think? What do OTHERS
think about this subject?
How long has been the struggle for Civil Rights? A l-o-n-g time.
The struggle for disABLED Civil Rights will be equally as long a
time. How long was the Americans With disABILITIES Act (ADA) in
the Government grist-mill? A l-o-n-g time...and there are -still-
arguments over the wording of a Government Law. So, it's going
to be an up-hill battle...the disABLED Civil Rights.
SF> I began swimming as therapy and, after a year of swim therapy, the
Doctor suggested that I swim competitively as well as
therapeutically.
This was 1983.
BH> I've gotta get back to swimming myself at the local heated pool.
It's located in a pallitive care hospital here.
SF> Yep, the weather is going to get pukier and pukier but no matter
WHAT the temperature outside is, the pool is indoors and the guts
and determination will overcome the Procrastination Syndrome.
The swimming you do now will increase your endurance, circulatory
system and blood-pressure...not to mention self-esteem.
If I sound like a recruiter: You are right. I am all in favour
of Sports for the disABLED.
BH> I look forward to meeting you face to face if I can get down there.
SF> What a nift idea! You get a couple of your friends interested in
sports...Coaching, Athletes, Volunteers -- the works! I will
help you by supplying you with names, addresses and dates of com-
petitions (both Canadian and American).
SF> funding letters to Casinos, Hotels, Merchants and Companies,
asking for funds that will allow me to travel to these competi-
tions.
You can do the same thing! There are Merchants and Companies in
your area and surrounding area...and RESIDENTS who live in
Kingston. Request a list of merchants (and their addresses)
from the local Chamber of Commerce. Assign two of your buddies
to get addresses of some important conglomerates (like a steel
company or a Hydro Company) and write to them asking for funds.
Write letters to the local newspaper. Speak to various Service
Groups (like the Foresters) and tell them that you plan to beat
the sox off the competition.
BH> Fundraising for anything can been a pain. This city is a classic
example. They support the able bodied sports but it's another
story when it comes to disabled sports.
Naaaa...they only THINK they support Sports for the ABLED! By
writing letters and speaking in front of Service Organizations,
you (and your associates) will CONVINCE them that a contribution
toward beating the sox off the competition is -not only necessary-
but it is _MANDATORY_!
Sure...you think I think you have a Xerox machine in your
living-room, don't you? Shuckins! In 1982, I started a -small-
letter-writing campaign...and, for the most part, it has remained
small. In 1985 and 1987 I had help writing letters. Where are
they now? No guts...no glory! So, now I'm so 'street-wise' in
the letter-writing category that I can copy the funding letters I
wrote last year. Cheating? Nupe....smart.....
SF> In order to know when these sports for the disABLED (all sports)
SF> meets will be held, I became a member of the Sports f/t disABLED
SF> organizations here in the States (National Wheelchair Athletic
SF> Association, U.S. Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association and Paralyzed
SF> Vets of America Auxiliary). I also belong to the Council on
SF> Physical Fitness in British Columbia and Alberta.
1991 ==> Membership in the Physical Fitness Council of ONTARIO!
BH> We get a letter from the Sports for the disabled people every so
often and invitations to attend these games, but who has the money
for hotels at $75.00 a night.
The majority of competitions I've attended (both in Canada and
the States) have been held at Universities (Edmonton, Calgary,
Hofstra, Stanford, Univ. of Michigan and Minnesota) and Secondary
Schools: (Nanaimo, Trail, Penticton, Phoenix, Tucson, Fresno).
There were two competitions that I attended (and just for two
days of my swim competition only) -- Richmond, British Columbia
and San Jose, California -- where I was required to stay in a
motel....for $12.50 per night. WHERE did you get this $75.00 a
night price, anyway? That's prohibitive!
The entry fee for TWO WEEKS of all-sports competition at the
Universities (both Canadian and American) has been very nominal.
When you consider the athlete is getting three good meals a day
(and brown-bag lunches at the competition site), a social hour,
BBQ, movie or dance (or all FOUR!) and a bedroom that includes a
bunk-bed, a sink and a view of the courtyard
BH> Oh, look out, the Feds have come up with this grand idea of taxing
all but the food we eat, it's called the Goods and Services Tax.
Most of us here in Canada call it the Gouge and Screw Tax. Right
now it's stalled in our un-elected Senate while the Prime Minister
tries to stack the Senate with Patronage appointees to tilt the
senate's majority in his favour.
Uh...Bill....have I missed something? What does G & S have to do
with athletics? Will the disABLED Community suffer from this? I
hope not.
SF> Do not hold your breath waiting for this missive to end soon.....
BH> So far so good!!
SF> The name of my "Team" is "The Silver State Silver Streaks".....
SF> However, it can be shortened to "Streak". There are no facil-
SF> lities or arrangements made in my metroplex for training the
SF> disABLED athletes (or -potential- athletes). In order to find
SF> out where the competitions are, I rely on the newsletters I
SF> receive from the Sports Organizations I belong to.
BH> There is a facility in the city of Toronto called variety Village.
The money to build the facility was raised by the variety Club and
a marathon swimmer named Vickey Keith. She got the Money for the
pool they built by swimming incredible distances across the Great
Lakes. Yet for all she did she did not get recognition from her
home town that she deserved (she lived in Kingston, My home town).
Kinda makes you think what kind of town I live in.
SF> All towns are not like that, Bill. How about the amputee who
attempted to walk across Canada (but died from cancer before
the walk was finished)? How about Rick Hanson, the wheelchair
athlete who has gone 'round the world in his wheelchair? I
met Rick in Penticton last year. THOSE two disABLED people
were recognized.
And Vickey Keith? Did the Variety Club TRUMPET her
accomplishment from the roof-tops? Did they (or someone)
write letters to the newspapers? Did she have a Public
Relations team? All this is needed -- in MANY endeavours --
or ultimate failure will be the outcome. Do you agree?
SF> For years, Bill, I have advertised my adventures (and
Ms-Adventures)
SF> in the local paper. The other -potential- athletes are in the
closet
SF> or under the bed. I have had very little recognition -- except in
SF> the (local <-- my addition) newspapers.
BH> We did have a private effort here at one point but they really
weren't top flight sportsters like yourself. I found that they
are out to party more than seriously compete, as a result I
traveled with another group from Kingston to another city once
and avoided them like the plague. It seemed to have worked as I
got a second place in I think it was the club throw.
SF> TOP FLIGHT SPORTSTERS LIKE ME?
==
<Beets!> I would not consider myself a 'top-flight sportster'.
I am competitive -- BUT I am not out for blood'n'guts. However:
No pain...no gain.
True, you will find the 'party animal' at ALL competitions. You
will also find the athlete who follows the nutrition guidelines
that the training books advocate. You will find the curfew
violator as well as the athlete who keeps curfew til they are
finished with their competitions and THEN parties. You will find
the person who does not show up for the MANDATORY practices as well
as the athlete who knows that practice will keep muscles toned and
the spirit strong. Sure, they can be avoided. Who will meet with
success?
THE END of this missive!
---Sheila.
** HOST(ess): ABLED-Athlete Conference #72 **
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Index Number: 11258
-> Is there an accessablilty prob for the games? I'd like to know so
-> as to speak with others on this issue.
Naaa, Bill, there was no accessibility prob at the Can-Am Games-site. I
was just curious and wanted to be prepared for any -possible- questions
posed by the disABLED -potential- athlete. The potential athlete in
Nevada seems unsure about going to unfamiliar territory and I wanted to
make sure NEXT YEAR there is a Team Nevada.
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