Well, well. I should be whipped, but since I sit on my butt that will be difficult. So I will just say SORRY, and try to make a really good post, or two. Here we go...
Wheelchair Tennis:NEC Masters - Netherlands
Michael Jeremiasz (FR) World No. 1 got pushed hard in a repeat of this years U.S. Open against Satoshi Saida #7 of Japan. From the internet reports it was awesome, the first set found Saida up 5-2 in the first set but he couldn't hang on, Jeremiasz won the next 5 games and the first set 7-5. Saida was in the drivers seat 3-0 in the second and double faulted, bringing the set to a tie-break that he won 8-6. The No.1 player got his wheels under him, winning the third and the match 6-1, way to go. I just wish David Hall was there for another Jeremiasz rollover.
Paralympics:
Today, at an extraordinary meeting of the IPC Sports Council in Beijing, China, elections for the Sports Council Management Committee were held.
Fred Jansen, was elected to the position of Chairperson to serve for a four year term. Since November 2004, he has been acting as the Interim Chairperson. IPC Athletics Sport Council Representative, Chris Cohen was elected as Vice-Chairperson, for a two year term.
Three members at large were also selected by means of a secret ballot, Kate Caithness (Wheelchair Curling Representative) for a four year term, and Anne Green (IPC Swimming Representative) and Jim Leask (Goalball Representative) for a term of two years.
The Sports Council Management Committee is the representative body of the Sports Council who meets on a regular basis to deal with operational matters related to the Council.
New wheelchair sport: Power Soccer
Power Soccer is the most exciting new development for power wheelchair users. The extremely competitive sport of power soccer has been ongoing for over 14 years, but is just now exploding onto the public scene. The United States, Canada, Japan, and Denmark are currently fielding teams and tournaments.
Power soccer is a team sport played by individuals with various disabilities. It is unisex by design, and male and female participants are often on the same team, as well as opposing sides. The game is usually played in a gymnasium on a regulation basketball court. Occasionally there are outdoor parking lot competitions. Two teams of 4 power chair users attack, defend, and maneuver an oversized soccer ball in an attempt to score points on a goal. The game is similar to the non-stop action seen in a typical indoor soccer game.
In the time-honored tradition of quad rugby, power soccer is a true dynamic development for power wheelchair users. This action packed team sport combines the skill of the wheelchair user with the speed and power of the chair itself, to participate in an extremely challenging game very similar to soccer. Power soccer is the first competitive team sport designed and developed specifically for power wheelchair users. These participants include persons with quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, head trauma, stroke, and other disabilities.
The will to win, the competitive challenge, teamwork, and the total competitive spirit of an athlete is in no way limited or diminished because of confinement to a wheelchair. As in all sports, win, lose, or draw, the thrill and joy is in playing the game.
