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Adaptive Sports And Recreation Archives Index
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| << March09, 2005 - March 9, 2005 |
April06, 2005 - Apr. 6, 2005, Issue 13 >> |
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================================================= Adaptive Sports & Recreation March 23, 2005 Vol. 1, Issue 12 ================================================= Stephen Michael Kerr, Publisher To subscribe, send a blank email to: 41809-subscribe@zinester.com Copyright 2005, Stephen Michael Kerr. ================================================= Privacy Policy ================================================= Your privacy is very important to me. Your email address will never be sold, shared, or distributed with anyone. You may forward copies of this newsletter to friends and family, and encourage them to subscribe. If you feel you have received this ezine in error, you may unsubscribe at any time; information on how to unsubscribe is at the bottom of this message. Some email programs automatically block or filter group mailings, so you may be missing emails and not know it. To make sure you receive each issue of this ezine, please add the following address to your approved email list: AdaptiveSportsAndRecreation@Zinester.com ================================================= In This Issue ================================================= - From The Publisher - Spotlight: Flame of Hope Burns Brightly In Nagano by Stephen Michael Kerr - Profile: Sarah Reinertsen, Born Different From ChallengedAthletes.org - In The News - Keeping Fit: Exercise For A Healthy Heart by Louise Roach - Helpful Links - On Deck - Contact Information ================================================= From The Publisher ================================================= Welcome to Adaptive Sports & Recreation, delivered to your inbox every other Wednesday. You'll find useful links and fascinating articles about unique sports played by people with many types of disabilities. Whether you're a friend or relative of a disabled individual, an adaptive physical education teacher, or a disabled person looking for ways to lead a more active life, this ezine can provide the information you're looking for. There's even a health and fitness section that anyone, disabled or not, will enjoy. Your feedback is always welcome. Please email me at: stevekerr@ev1.net ********** Well, I have more exciting news on the growth of ASR. A few months ago, I signed up with a community of websites called GetLocalNews.com, which allows publishers, or anyone for that matter, to have a site devoted to any topic, news item, or city, state, or country they choose. I'll bet you have already guessed what topic I chose: adaptive sports, of course. The site is still in the early stages, but you can check it out at: www.AdaptiveSports.AFreePress.com You'll find selected articles from ASR, and in the near future, links to adaptive sports organizations, and a schedule of upcoming adaptive sports events. But the site will be more than just a hub of information; it's also designed to be interactive, which means you can be a part of the action. There are message boards, where you can comment about whatever you like concerning adaptive sports or disabilities in general. You can also make comments about each article on the site. You can even post your own stories if you like; just fill out a profile and post articles, links to articles or news stories, or links to organizations you feel should be included on the site. I'm looking forward to making this site a part of the ASR newsletter, and feel free to check it out and give me your comments. Talk to you soon. ------------------------------------------------- Stephen Michael Kerr is the publisher of Adaptive Sports & Recreation, as well as a radio broadcaster and freelance writer in Austin, Texas. Blind since birth, Stephen has written various articles and given numerous speeches on disability awareness. ------------------------------------------------- ================================================= Feature Ad ================================================= NewsFlash*SnowPack is an ezine for the athlete in all of us. Filled with health and fitness info, tips, links and recipes, NewsFlash is your source for the latest healthy news. Articles include information about natural pain relief, the latest exercise research, a personal hiking journal, book reviews and so much more. Subscribe today at http://home.netcom.com/~newsflash Or send an email to: newsflash@ix.netcom.com with Subscribe in the subject line. ================================================= Spotlight ================================================= Flame of Hope Burns Brightly In Nagano by Stephen Michael Kerr The week of February 26-March 5 was a special one in Nagano, Japan, for several reasons. First, the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games took place. Second, it marked the first time that the Olympics, Paralympics, and Special Olympics have been held in the same host city. Nagano is also the first site in Asia to ever host a Special Olympic World Games event, summer or winter. About 1,830 athletes from over 80 countries were on hand, along with their families, 650 coaches, and a record 11,000 volunteers. Heads of state, and celebrities from the sports and business fields took part in the opening and closing ceremonies, and other special events throughout the Games. A capacity crowd of 5,000 gathered in M-Wave, site of the 1998 Olympic Winter Games speed skating competition, for the opening ceremonies Feb. 26. The cauldron was set ablaze by the "Flame of Hope," and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi declared the Games officially open. The opening ceremonies also portrayed the theme of courage with "Wings of Courage" drawings by 15-year-old Japanese artist Junichi Ono. Athletes took the Special Olympics oath, which says, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." An enthralling visual depiction of flight was provided by dancers suspended in the air. On the icy surface of the arena, 1994 world figure skating champion and two-time Olympian Yuka Sato performed, to rousing cheers from the crowd. The ceremony's defining moment came with the arrival of the Special Olympics Flame, with its final lap around the arena, carried by Special Olympic athletes from each of the movement's seven global regions, plus Japanese Olympic athletes. Celebrities, dignitaries, and athletes marched in the Parade of Athletes, while Japanese drums, Lion and Bell Dances, and other entertainment added a Japanese flavor to the ceremony. The 8th World Winter Games consisted of seven sports: alpine and cross-country skiing, figure skating, floor hockey, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and speed skating. The events were held at many of the venues used for the 1998 Winter Olympics. The World Games were about more than just athletic competition. A series of special events aimed at creating a better understanding of intellectual disabilities took place. A Global Youth Summit featured a forum for young people to interact with their peers worldwide to share ideas for involving youth in Special Olympics. Other special events included a Healthy Athletes Initiative, the "Changing Attitudes, Changing The World" education forum, and a Celebrity Snowshoe Race. Former United States President Bill Clinton, who happened to be visiting Asia, paid a surprise visit to the Games, and spent some time watching floor hockey, a sport adapted from ice hockey. Clinton was impressed with the speed, shooting, and agility of the athletes. "This is really cool," Clinton said. The Closing Ceremony kicked off with footage of athletes, supporters, volunteers and citizens shown to the accompaniment of "Taiyo", which is Japanese for "The Sun", the official 2005 World Games Song. Athletes entered from the south and north gates of the arena and attached photos of "smiling faces" to two large "wings" of courage, which were immediately raised into the air. Athletes, volunteers and represenatives of the Games shared their experiences, and 12-year-old Alpine skier Lily Kuhn from Team USA read a touching letter she had written to her parents, which said, "I had the best time of my life here." Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of Special Olympics, addressed the athletes, saying, "(you have) won the hearts of Japan and the world. As we celebrate your victory, we focus our gratitude on the great and generous volunteers and people of Japan." Bosnia and Herzegovina, site of the 2009 Winter Games, received the Games Flag, while the Special Olympics Torch was passed to represenatives of the seven Special Olympics regions. Japanese Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Hidehisa Otsuji declared the World Winter Games closed. For a complete look at the events and results of the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games, go to: http://www.2005sowwg.com/gms/index.html ** If you have an idea for a spotlight on a particular adaptive sport or organization, send it to: stevekerr@ev1.net with "Spotlight" in the subject line. ================================================= Profile ================================================= Born Different Sarah Reinertsen is a woman defined by courage to overcome, achieve and give back to the world that gave her strength. When she discovered her opportunities, she never looked back and has dedicated her life to reaching new heights and sharing with others not to accept limitations others set before them. She is an athlete, a role model, a journalist and an advocate of changing perception. She lives by the mantra - Don??™t ever give up on what you believe in. Not once. Not ever. Born Different ??“ No where to turn She was born ???different???. Her left leg was deformed with a condition called, proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD). To even the length of her legs, Sarah had to wear a leg brace starting at the age of 11 months. She maneuvered around on the stiff leg brace until she was 7 years old when the decision was made to amputate the leg. She was a Brownie. She was a great student. She had a smile that would light up a room. But still, she was ???different???. And every day at gym class, that was never more apparent. She always came in last on field day. She was always picked last on the team. Her teachers and coaches did not include her in regular play with the other kids. Instead, she would kick the ball against the wall. Alone. Sadly, Sarah accepted this as her fate and did nothing to change it. Life changed for Sarah when she was 11 and went to her first track meet for other kids with disabilities. For the first time, Sarah was lined up next to other girls like her. They were missing their legs too ??“ When the gun went off for that 100 meters, she ran hard and finished first. For the first time in her life she won. The discovery that she could be an athlete was the defining moment in her life. Her world all of a sudden opened up to an area that she never thought would be a possibility for her. But how could a girl without a leg be an athlete? The Athlete ??“ Blazing the trail Sarah never looked back. She knew that she was good. She knew that the only way to make sure other little girls born ???different??? did not kick the ball against the wall, was to show them how to be an athlete. Most people have role models as a guide to what is possible. When Sarah looked around, she discovered that there weren??™t other women missing their leg above the knee running. In fact, there were very few amputees of any age running. Who would show her the way and how could she do this on a prosthetic leg made for walking? This is Sarah??™s true ???difference???. The only way for her to help other little girls was to be the first. It didn??™t take long. Since 1991, she has set world records in the 100m, 200m, 400m in her division (T42) and became the youngest member of the 1992 US Paralympic Team to go to Barcelona. After dominating track, Sarah turned her attention to road racing, competing in 5kms, 10kms, and eventually, the pinnacle race for any runner, the 26.2-mile marathon. To date Sarah has conquered 7 marathons and several _ marathons. She is the world record holder in the half marathon (2:12) and the marathon (5:27) for above-knee amputee women. Technology ??“ Going faster As an original member of Team Flex Foot, Sarah was one of the first amputees to test out a new running foot that would result in a technological breakthrough in prosthetics. When she tested the foot, she took over 37 minutes off her marathon time. This new energy storing carbon fiber foot would open the door for many amputees of all ages to do something they had never done before. Run. As a test patient, Sarah used her abilities as an elite athlete to fine tune the product and revolutionize the sport of running for amputees. No longer using her walking prosthesis to run, now she could focus on bigger goals. Raising the Bar ??“ Tougher than the rest Ironman. 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a 26.2-mile run. It??™s one of the toughest races in the world. To finish, Sarah has to be tougher than the rest. She expends 40% more oxygen and twice the energy than a person with two legs. Every stroke, every peddle on the bike, every step she runs has to be fine tuned to perfection. She will be the first, the only amputee woman to complete the Ironman in Kona. Only two years ago, she had never been on a bike. Her swim was fair at best. But she worked. And worked hard to qualify for the coveted spot. Currently, Sarah trains over 20 hours a week to accomplish this goal. Once again, Sarah will break new ground and go where no amputee woman has gone before. Ironman. Born Different ??“ a powerful gift Sarah has devoted her life to overcome being ???different???. What she has discovered is that her difference has nothing to do with her missing left leg. It??™s the ability to be first and not fear what has never been done. By learning to run as an amputee when no one told her how. By helping to develop advanced prosthetics that would bring more amputees to the sport of running. By being the world record holder in numerous running events. By being the first amputee woman to conquer Ironman. Sarah has dared to do what no one before her ever did. That??™s her difference. Sarah Reinertsen is a National Spokesperson for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Her role is to inspire and provide guidance to others with physical challenges that when you believe, you can do anything. For more information contact Tabi King at 858-523-9073 ** Have an idea for a profile? Just send an email to: stevekerr@ev1.net with "Profile" in the subject line. ================================================= In The News ================================================= National Disabled Veterans presents their 18th annual Winter Sports Clinic, where you can learn skiing and Nordic Skiing. The event is Apr. 3-9, 2005, at Snowmass Village, Colorado. To find out more, contact Sandy Trombetta at: (970) 244-1314, or email: santo.trombetta@med.va.gov ********** The United States Blind Golfers Association presents the Fort Wayne Blind Golf Championship, May 24-26 at the Autumn Ridge Golf Club in Fort Wayne, Indiana. To find out more, call Tim Jackson at: (614) 570-6209. ** If you know of an adaptive sports event for this section, send it to: stevekerr@ev1.net and put "News" in the subject line. ================================================= Feature Ad ================================================= Like our Newsletter? Please vote for our ezine! Visit: http://www.ezine-marketing.com/cgi-bin/ezsearch/vote.cgi?ID=1094716097 ================================================= Keeping Fit ================================================= Exercise for a Healthy Heart By Louise Roach Do you exercise every day? If you want to live a long, healthy life, maybe you should. A recent study by Timothy Wessel, a physician at the University of Florida, indicates one of the strongest risk factors for developing heart disease is inactivity even more so than being overweight. During the four-year study of 906 women, Dr. Wessel documented those who were moderately active were less likely to develop heart disease than sedentary women, no matter how much they weighed. The study concluded: ???These results suggest that fitness may be more important than overweight or obesity for cardiovascular risk in women.??? In January, the updated U.S. Dietary Guidelines strongly urged that everyone should take part in ???at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity??? on most days, above whatever activities they do at home or work. To loose weight or to avoid gaining weight as we age, 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous exercise is recommended. And those who have already lost weight and are attempting to keep weight off need 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise. A study of 9,611 adults by the University of Michigan Health System, found that people in their 50s and 60s who participated in daily exercise were 35 percent less likely to die within the next eight years than their inactive couch potato counter parts. Convinced that it??™s time to add exercise to your day? The Basics -- Make Exercise a Life Priority: - If you??™re not use to exercising, check with your doctor before beginning any strenuous fitness routine. - Start slow. If 30 minutes of exercise is too much, start with 15 minutes and add a few minutes each day. - If you don't have time for 60 minutes of exercise, break it up into two 30-minute sessions throughout the day. - Schedule a specific time to exercise everyday then keep to your schedule! - Take part in more intense activities that can improve your heart health, such as: running, dancing, swimming, cycling, and climbing stairs. - Find exercise that you enjoy. You will be more likely to continue and improve your daily performance if you look forward to a favorite activity. - Wear proper clothing and footwear. This has two functions. Clothing and shoes that are suited to your activity will enhance performance and offer the right kind of support for your body and feet. They will also place you in a better frame of mind for exercise. When you wear your favorite running outfit and slide into your special running shoes, your mind says ???it??™s time to get out the door and put my feet in motion!??? - Add everyday activities to increase your overall fitness level, such as gardening, housework, walking to the store, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and raking leaves. - Always drink lots of water. - If you feel discomfort or pain after an activity, use ice therapy immediately to reduce swelling and numb pain. Always have a cold pack in your freezer, ready and waiting. Most aches and pains attributed to exercise respond well to icing and will melt away within 24 hours after applying ice for several 20-minute sessions. Using cold therapy reduces down time, getting you back on schedule fast. (If the pain does not lessen within 48 hours after using ice therapy, is intense or becomes worse, see your doctor.) Exercise every day??¦take care of your heart??¦live long! Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical treatment or consultation. Always consult with your physician in the event of a serious injury. About the Author: Louise Roach: health and fitness editor, marketing specialist, product development consultant. Helps others find pain relief through the use of SnowPack Cold Therapy products. Learn more about the benefits of cold therapy at http://www.snowpackusa.com/ Sign up for *free* health/fitness e-newsletter at: http://home.netcom.com/~newsflash/ ================================================= Helpful Links ================================================= American Blind Skiing Foundation ABSF is committed to serving visually impaired children & adults, giving them the opportunities and experiences that build confidence & independence that can last a lifetime. http://www.absf.org/ United States Association of Blind Athletes The mission of the United States Association of Blind Athletes is to increase the number and quality of grassroots-through-competitive, world-class athletic opportunities for Americans who are blind or visually impaired. http://www.usaba.org/ National Wheelchair Poolplayer Association A site devoted to individuals in wheelchairs interested in billiards. http://www.nwpainc.com/ PowerHockey.Ca Official site of the Calgary PowerHockey League. http://www.wheelchairhockey.com/ ** If you have a link to an adaptive sports organization that you would like listed in this section, email it to: stevekerr@ev1.net with "Helpful Links" in the subject line. ================================================= On Deck ================================================= Here's a peek at what's coming up in the next issue. So you think badminton is just a laid-back, recreational game played in the backyard? Not in Europe and Asia, where adaptive badminton is highly competitive. Efforts are underway to create similar interest in the United States. Find out more in our next "Spotlight". The subject of our next "Profile" is Ron Plath, a blind resident of Lake Oswego, Oregon. Just because he can't see a golf ball doesn't keep him from playing his favorite sport, and winning! Want enhanced health? A pet can help you become healthier, says guest contributor Patricia Wagner. Read about this unique but simple way to improve your physical and mental health in the next "Keeping Fit" section. ================================================= Contact Information ================================================= Stephen Michael Kerr, Publisher stevekerr@ev1.net 1218 Hughmont Dr. Pflugerville, Tx 78660 There is no charge to subscribe to this ezine. Just send a blank e-mail to: 41809-subscribe@zinester.com To unsubscribe, send a blank e-mail to: 41809-unsubscribe@zinester.com ================================================= Disclaimer ================================================= Although we believe our advertisers to be honest in their practices, we cannot be held responsible for the products or services they offer. Please make sure to check out all opportunities, products, or services before you buy. |
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April06, 2005 - Apr. 6, 2005, Issue 13 >> |
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