Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Februrary 6-8th, Quad Rugby Portland Invitational
During the weekend of February 6th-8th, Portland was holding an invitational game for Quad Rugby. Although I have done and seen several wheelchair sports, I have not had the chance to witness a Quad Rugby game live. Therefore, I was excited to make an appearance as Ms Wheelchair America 2009 First Runner Up at the event. On the first day, I was surprised to find myself to be the only girl in a wheelchair. It was not until the next day when I saw a female athlete playing for the British Columbia team. She was a great player. I also met many wonderful teams from Portland Pounders, British Columbia Bandits, Northridge Kings, Michigan Storm, Seattle Slam, and Western Rovers. Some of them have even played for the Paralympics Games in Beijing. The players’ discipline, determination, and strength were amazing. They got right back into the game even though they had just fallen backwards on the court. The game was both fun and intense to watch as the players crashed into each other trying to get the ball behind the line.
Since Oregon does not have a Ms Wheelchair state program, many people at the event were interested and asked me questions about Ms Wheelchair America. I shared with several of them about the pageant and the advocacy work titleholders have done in the country. It would be wonderful if Ms Wheelchair Oregon was established to empower the women with disabilities in that state. On the last day, I had the honor of presenting awards to some of the most talented players. Although Portland Pounders won the game, it was clear that all the teams were winners. I hope the next time I watch a Quad Rugby game; I will see more female players on the court. My appearance in Portland was very memorable.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
December 30th 2008- January 1st 2009, Tournament of Roses Parade
Happy New Year!
The Kiwanis, an organization dedicated to community service, graciously invited Ms. Wheelchair America and California to ride with them on their float this year. A very special thank you to the Kiwanis! Below are a few pics from the event, including Michelle and I adding a few touches to the float, and us posing in front of other floats. It was an unforgettable experience!
The Kiwanis, an organization dedicated to community service, graciously invited Ms. Wheelchair America and California to ride with them on their float this year. A very special thank you to the Kiwanis! Below are a few pics from the event, including Michelle and I adding a few touches to the float, and us posing in front of other floats. It was an unforgettable experience!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Oct 4th, BORP Revolution 2008
The Bay area Outreach and Recreation Program is a Berkeley-based organization that focuses on outdoor activities for individuals with disabilities. Each year BORP holds a fundraising bike ride in the wine growing region of Sonoma, near to California's Napa Valley. You can read more about this great event at BORP's website, http://www.borp.org/revolution/index.htm
I've had lots of fun with BORP riding hand-cycles in the past, but this year I was invited to help cheer the riders along, a role I accepted with great pleasure. Riders both with and without disabilities took part in the event, which included entries for everything from a 100k ride down to a 10k ride. 2008 Paralympic silver-medal hand-cycle champion Alejandro Albor and several other hand cyclists took-on the century along with many friends and supporters who helped make this fund-raising event a great success.
I've had lots of fun with BORP riding hand-cycles in the past, but this year I was invited to help cheer the riders along, a role I accepted with great pleasure. Riders both with and without disabilities took part in the event, which included entries for everything from a 100k ride down to a 10k ride. 2008 Paralympic silver-medal hand-cycle champion Alejandro Albor and several other hand cyclists took-on the century along with many friends and supporters who helped make this fund-raising event a great success.
I helped many of the 10k hand-cyclists get ready for their ride at a beautiful spot in Graton, CA - this site was also about the half-way point for the 100k riders who came through after the 10k riders had set out. I've captured part of the adventure below:
Getting Ready for the 10k Ride:
Sep 20th, U.C. Berkeley's Division for Equity and Inclusion in Education, Open House
Gibor Basri, UC Berkeley vice chancellor for equity and inclusion (center) and Berkeley student.
U.C. Berkeley faculty and students.
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