Laura
10-05-2007, 08:48 AM
http://ny.metro.us/metro/blog/my_view/entry/Exercise_your_ability_in_the_city/10225.html
Exercise your ability in the city
my view by kenneth j. podziba
OCT 4
N ew York Jets fans still have memories of Wesley Walker making acrobatic catches and streaking down the sidelines for touchdowns; Yankee fans fondly recall Jim Abbott’s no-hitter; climbers and adrenalin junkies will forever marvel at Eric Weihenmayer’s ascent to the summit of Mt. Everest and track & field fans will always remember the grit and determination of Marla Runyon as she made the 2000 Olympic team in the 1,500 meter run. What do these amazing athletes have in common?
They overcame physical disabilities to achieve their respective goals and are role models for both disabled and able-bodied people.
More than 55 million people with disabilities in the United States have opportunities to participate in a wide range of adaptive sports that were few and far between a mere decade ago. In response to many calls from our constituents seeking information on recreational, therapeutic and competitive sports programs for people with disabilities, the New York City Sports Commission created “Exercise Your Ability: The Ultimate Guide to Sports and Recreation for People with Disabilities.” This book offers contact information for over 200 sports and recreational programs throughout the United States that range from the ING New York City Marathon to scuba diving in California. New York City’s adaptive sports programming and events are second to none.
On any given day, New Yorkers have the opportunity to witness the excitement and amazing athleticism displayed at these events. Head to the Bronx this weekend and catch some of the non-stop action at the Mayor’s Cup Wheelchair Basketball Tournament at Manhattan College and Horace Mann High School for what is sure to be a real crowd-pleaser (and it’s free!). You’ll smell the burning rubber as the high-powered offense of the Dallas Mavericks, arguably the nation’s best team, take on other top-flight clubs such as the Greater Accra Regional Team from Ghana. Many of the players participating in this event have truly fascinating stories to tell, such as New York Rollin’ Knicks power forward Eddie McGee, who also moonlights as a TV actor and is a former winner of CBS’s TV show “Big Brother.” There are a wide range of opportunities available for everyone to be active. To see what programs are available in New York City and beyond, I encourage you to obtain a free copy of “Exercise Your Ability” by calling the New York City Sports Commission at 212-487-7120.
Kenneth J. Podziba is the commissioner of the New York City Sports Commission.
Exercise your ability in the city
my view by kenneth j. podziba
OCT 4
N ew York Jets fans still have memories of Wesley Walker making acrobatic catches and streaking down the sidelines for touchdowns; Yankee fans fondly recall Jim Abbott’s no-hitter; climbers and adrenalin junkies will forever marvel at Eric Weihenmayer’s ascent to the summit of Mt. Everest and track & field fans will always remember the grit and determination of Marla Runyon as she made the 2000 Olympic team in the 1,500 meter run. What do these amazing athletes have in common?
They overcame physical disabilities to achieve their respective goals and are role models for both disabled and able-bodied people.
More than 55 million people with disabilities in the United States have opportunities to participate in a wide range of adaptive sports that were few and far between a mere decade ago. In response to many calls from our constituents seeking information on recreational, therapeutic and competitive sports programs for people with disabilities, the New York City Sports Commission created “Exercise Your Ability: The Ultimate Guide to Sports and Recreation for People with Disabilities.” This book offers contact information for over 200 sports and recreational programs throughout the United States that range from the ING New York City Marathon to scuba diving in California. New York City’s adaptive sports programming and events are second to none.
On any given day, New Yorkers have the opportunity to witness the excitement and amazing athleticism displayed at these events. Head to the Bronx this weekend and catch some of the non-stop action at the Mayor’s Cup Wheelchair Basketball Tournament at Manhattan College and Horace Mann High School for what is sure to be a real crowd-pleaser (and it’s free!). You’ll smell the burning rubber as the high-powered offense of the Dallas Mavericks, arguably the nation’s best team, take on other top-flight clubs such as the Greater Accra Regional Team from Ghana. Many of the players participating in this event have truly fascinating stories to tell, such as New York Rollin’ Knicks power forward Eddie McGee, who also moonlights as a TV actor and is a former winner of CBS’s TV show “Big Brother.” There are a wide range of opportunities available for everyone to be active. To see what programs are available in New York City and beyond, I encourage you to obtain a free copy of “Exercise Your Ability” by calling the New York City Sports Commission at 212-487-7120.
Kenneth J. Podziba is the commissioner of the New York City Sports Commission.