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| FROM THE ENQUIRER-JOURNAL October 10 and 11, 2009 Quadriplegic Rugby Players to Compete Disabled but Undeterred |
October 12, 2009 - Waxhaw, NC
Raleigh Stuns Rugby Clubs in Season Opener
Teams from the Atlantic North and South
division as well as the Heartland North
seemed a little dazed when the 2nd Annual
Carolina Collision Quad Rugby Tournament
ended and the Raleigh Sidewinders rolled off
as the resounding champions. They chalked
up some huge wins and zero losses.
The Raleigh Club is only 2 1/2 years old but
they looked like a well oiled machine. The
team packs some serious talent and manages
a few deadly lineups. Ron Frederick, the
tournament MVP, returned to play this year after
being classed out last season. A powerful,
fast, 3.5, Ron has a no holds barred style of
play that clearly draws on his upper body
strength to force repeated breaks in defensive
barriers.
Returning player Brant Daye looks quicker this
year and was an easy choice as the All
Tournament low pointer. The team runs deep
though, with players like Terrence "Smitty"
Smith, Justin Richardson and Mark Herndon -
sidelined with an injury for this event - and
more - Raleigh looks to be a strong contender
in the Atlantic North Division.
Even last year's tournament champion, the Shepherd Smash, drawing on the experience of Cassie Mitchell - a 2 year game
veteran with national play experience and Scott Stokes, a current USA Team member, could not overcome Raleigh's
explosive play. Mitchell, one of only 2 female athletes at the event isn't given any quarter due to her gender status. Her
offensive contribution on the court is too evident for chivalry.
Third place went to the event host the Carolina Crash. The Crash is a unique mix of veteran players - a number of whom
also have seen national level play such as Matt Crisp and Greg Taylor - and newcomers. John Robinson, now in his 3rd
year, subtly racks up points on the board. Sam Robb, All Tournament Team mid-pointer is small at 16 years old - but is
quick, and agile with a quick court stop and shift.
The DC Capitol Punishers and Pittsburgh Steelwheelers had an all out brouhaha with the match up coming down to a
single goal in the last seconds of the game for a DC win. The DC group put an all out effort in with a small bench and
visiting player/coach A.J. Nanayakarra (Tournament Sportsmanship Award). Rob Korsan (All Tournament High Pointer)
had an impressive all round tournament performance.
Brooks Bandits, from Jacksonville, FLA is the new, developing team from Atlantic South. The team came markedly close to
a first tournament win against Pittsburgh on the first day of competition - but couldn't overcome the 3 goal deficit.
Raleigh Stuns Rugby Clubs in Season Opener
Teams from the Atlantic North and South
division as well as the Heartland North
seemed a little dazed when the 2nd Annual
Carolina Collision Quad Rugby Tournament
ended and the Raleigh Sidewinders rolled off
as the resounding champions. They chalked
up some huge wins and zero losses.
The Raleigh Club is only 2 1/2 years old but
they looked like a well oiled machine. The
team packs some serious talent and manages
a few deadly lineups. Ron Frederick, the
tournament MVP, returned to play this year after
being classed out last season. A powerful,
fast, 3.5, Ron has a no holds barred style of
play that clearly draws on his upper body
strength to force repeated breaks in defensive
barriers.
Returning player Brant Daye looks quicker this
year and was an easy choice as the All
Tournament low pointer. The team runs deep
though, with players like Terrence "Smitty"
Smith, Justin Richardson and Mark Herndon -
sidelined with an injury for this event - and
more - Raleigh looks to be a strong contender
in the Atlantic North Division.
Even last year's tournament champion, the Shepherd Smash, drawing on the experience of Cassie Mitchell - a 2 year game
veteran with national play experience and Scott Stokes, a current USA Team member, could not overcome Raleigh's
explosive play. Mitchell, one of only 2 female athletes at the event isn't given any quarter due to her gender status. Her
offensive contribution on the court is too evident for chivalry.
Third place went to the event host the Carolina Crash. The Crash is a unique mix of veteran players - a number of whom
also have seen national level play such as Matt Crisp and Greg Taylor - and newcomers. John Robinson, now in his 3rd
year, subtly racks up points on the board. Sam Robb, All Tournament Team mid-pointer is small at 16 years old - but is
quick, and agile with a quick court stop and shift.
The DC Capitol Punishers and Pittsburgh Steelwheelers had an all out brouhaha with the match up coming down to a
single goal in the last seconds of the game for a DC win. The DC group put an all out effort in with a small bench and
visiting player/coach A.J. Nanayakarra (Tournament Sportsmanship Award). Rob Korsan (All Tournament High Pointer)
had an impressive all round tournament performance.
Brooks Bandits, from Jacksonville, FLA is the new, developing team from Atlantic South. The team came markedly close to
a first tournament win against Pittsburgh on the first day of competition - but couldn't overcome the 3 goal deficit.
Wheelchair Rugby Athletes Unleash Grit and Drama at Season Opener
Charlotte, NC - (October 7, 2009) - Once referred to as Murderball, wheelchair rugby is now officially referred to as quad rugby. The sport
has a long history but debuted at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta, GA and was adopted as an official competitive paralympic team
sport and medal event by the IPC (International Paralympic Committee) after those games.
The game is a full contact/collision sport. No helmets or pads are worn. Teams play 4 on 4 on a basketball court, with the athletes
strapped to dynamically altered, custom fit wheelchairs. The game is fast paced and explosive. Turnovers occur when a team fails to
inbound, pass or dribble the ball in 10 seconds, advance the ball beyond half court in 12, score within 40, or if an offensive player is
knocked off the court - whether he has the ball or not.
Charlottes home team, the Carolina Crash (recent recipients of a Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Quality of Life grant) will host
teams from Atlanta, Raleigh, DC, Pittsburgh and Jacksonville at the Marvin Ridge High School (MRHS) in Waxhaw, just south of the
Queen City.
Marvin (a 2 year old Union County school and already a 2 time Wachovia Cup winner) boasts one of the youngest quad rugby players in
the country at age 16. Sam Robb, a junior, has been a Crash offensive starter for two years now and is well into his third year of
competitive play. The squad, consisting of both longtime veterans as well as newcomers, is redeveloping as a Division II program after
a hiatus from competitive play due to lack of funds and players.
First time spectators tend to marvel at the athletic prowess of the players and cringe upon chair impact - a resounding, repetitive part of
play. The athletes of the Crash as well as those players traveling to Charlotte to compete, tend to down play the traumatic injuries and
disabilities that have led them to participate in the sport. The aggressive nature of wheelchair rugby does a great deal to dispel the myth
that this group represents a vulnerable population.
The tournament will be held from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday and 9 am to 2 pm on Sunday at Marvin Ridge High School, 2825 Crane Road,
Waxhaw, NC. Admission is free. A full event schedule can be found on the teams website at www.carolinacrash.org
###
Charlotte, NC - (October 7, 2009) - Once referred to as Murderball, wheelchair rugby is now officially referred to as quad rugby. The sport
has a long history but debuted at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta, GA and was adopted as an official competitive paralympic team
sport and medal event by the IPC (International Paralympic Committee) after those games.
The game is a full contact/collision sport. No helmets or pads are worn. Teams play 4 on 4 on a basketball court, with the athletes
strapped to dynamically altered, custom fit wheelchairs. The game is fast paced and explosive. Turnovers occur when a team fails to
inbound, pass or dribble the ball in 10 seconds, advance the ball beyond half court in 12, score within 40, or if an offensive player is
knocked off the court - whether he has the ball or not.
Charlottes home team, the Carolina Crash (recent recipients of a Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Quality of Life grant) will host
teams from Atlanta, Raleigh, DC, Pittsburgh and Jacksonville at the Marvin Ridge High School (MRHS) in Waxhaw, just south of the
Queen City.
Marvin (a 2 year old Union County school and already a 2 time Wachovia Cup winner) boasts one of the youngest quad rugby players in
the country at age 16. Sam Robb, a junior, has been a Crash offensive starter for two years now and is well into his third year of
competitive play. The squad, consisting of both longtime veterans as well as newcomers, is redeveloping as a Division II program after
a hiatus from competitive play due to lack of funds and players.
First time spectators tend to marvel at the athletic prowess of the players and cringe upon chair impact - a resounding, repetitive part of
play. The athletes of the Crash as well as those players traveling to Charlotte to compete, tend to down play the traumatic injuries and
disabilities that have led them to participate in the sport. The aggressive nature of wheelchair rugby does a great deal to dispel the myth
that this group represents a vulnerable population.
The tournament will be held from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday and 9 am to 2 pm on Sunday at Marvin Ridge High School, 2825 Crane Road,
Waxhaw, NC. Admission is free. A full event schedule can be found on the teams website at www.carolinacrash.org
###
CAROLINA CRASH RECEIVES QUALITY OF LIFE GRANT FROM CHRISTOPHER & DANA REEVE
CHARLOTTE, NC – (SEPTEMBER 4, 2009) –CAROLINA CRASH is proud to announce that it has received a $6100.00 Quality of Life
grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The award was one of 86 grants totaling almost $500,000 awarded by the
Reeve Foundation to nonprofit organizations nationwide that help people living with paralysis and their families become more
integrated members of society. Since inception of the program in 1999, nearly 1,600 grants have been awarded, totaling almost
$13 million.
The Carolina Crash will use the grant for a new rugby chair and additional equipment that will assist the quad/wheelchair rugby
team in competitive development. The Crash is honored at being chosen by the Reeve Foundation for their financial support in
this regard. "We are genuinely appreciative to be a Reeve grant recipient and thankful that Dana and Chris both recognized that
access to both recreational and competitive sport has a profound impact on quality of life", says Matt Lester, Crash President and
long time rugby athlete.
“The Quality of Life program recognizes and supports organizations that assist individuals living with paralysis, their families and
caregivers in ways that more immediately provide them with increased independence, well being, and improved access,” said
Peter T. Wilderotter, president and CEO of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. “Throughout the past ten years, we have
had the privilege of being able to impact the lives of thousands of people living with paralysis through these deserving
organizations. As Dana Reeve used to say, ‘our Quality of Life program is about freedom’ and we are pleased to do our small part
to assist the Carolina Crash in fulfilling its mission.”
The Reeve Foundation’s Quality of Life grants are awarded twice a year and are divided into three categories, Actively Achieving,
Bridging Barriers and Caring and Coping. Some grants are also funded through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (Cooperative Agreement number 1U59DD000338).
About the Reeve Foundation
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and
improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. For more information, and to
review the entire list of Quality of Life grant recipients, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.
The Carolina Crash serves to promote the sport of quad rugby, by providing athletes with quadriplegia the opportunity to participate
in the sport recreationally and competitively in NC and throughout the US.
###
CHARLOTTE, NC – (SEPTEMBER 4, 2009) –CAROLINA CRASH is proud to announce that it has received a $6100.00 Quality of Life
grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The award was one of 86 grants totaling almost $500,000 awarded by the
Reeve Foundation to nonprofit organizations nationwide that help people living with paralysis and their families become more
integrated members of society. Since inception of the program in 1999, nearly 1,600 grants have been awarded, totaling almost
$13 million.
The Carolina Crash will use the grant for a new rugby chair and additional equipment that will assist the quad/wheelchair rugby
team in competitive development. The Crash is honored at being chosen by the Reeve Foundation for their financial support in
this regard. "We are genuinely appreciative to be a Reeve grant recipient and thankful that Dana and Chris both recognized that
access to both recreational and competitive sport has a profound impact on quality of life", says Matt Lester, Crash President and
long time rugby athlete.
“The Quality of Life program recognizes and supports organizations that assist individuals living with paralysis, their families and
caregivers in ways that more immediately provide them with increased independence, well being, and improved access,” said
Peter T. Wilderotter, president and CEO of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. “Throughout the past ten years, we have
had the privilege of being able to impact the lives of thousands of people living with paralysis through these deserving
organizations. As Dana Reeve used to say, ‘our Quality of Life program is about freedom’ and we are pleased to do our small part
to assist the Carolina Crash in fulfilling its mission.”
The Reeve Foundation’s Quality of Life grants are awarded twice a year and are divided into three categories, Actively Achieving,
Bridging Barriers and Caring and Coping. Some grants are also funded through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (Cooperative Agreement number 1U59DD000338).
About the Reeve Foundation
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and
improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. For more information, and to
review the entire list of Quality of Life grant recipients, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.
The Carolina Crash serves to promote the sport of quad rugby, by providing athletes with quadriplegia the opportunity to participate
in the sport recreationally and competitively in NC and throughout the US.
###
Crash Teaches After School Group the Fundamentals of Rugby and Disability
March 23, 2010 - Monroe, NC.
The Carolina Crash participated in an extraordinary week of disability awareness for the After School program
at Shiloh Elementary in Monroe, put together by Program Director Vickie Johnson.
Approximately 80 elementary school children were present for a special quad rugby exhibition put on by the
Crash, led by Head Coach Michael Duda, Team Manager Kina Atkin and USQRA Referee, Marianne Duda.
For an hour and a half, the wheelchair rugby athletes shared their unique insight on living with spinal cord injury,
wheelchair rugby, active lifestyles and eventually, even their custom made chairs with the students. Interested
children were encouraged to sit, move, and manipulate the sport specific chair about the gymnasium. Like all
spectators, the students marveled at the sports violent collisions and the players speed and agility on the court.
The Crash contributes to a variety of community events throughout the year to raise funds for related causes and
charity's, and awareness regarding day to day challenges in living with spinal cord injury. You can contact the
Crash at www.carolinacrash.org or 704-843-0204.
March 23, 2010 - Monroe, NC.
The Carolina Crash participated in an extraordinary week of disability awareness for the After School program
at Shiloh Elementary in Monroe, put together by Program Director Vickie Johnson.
Approximately 80 elementary school children were present for a special quad rugby exhibition put on by the
Crash, led by Head Coach Michael Duda, Team Manager Kina Atkin and USQRA Referee, Marianne Duda.
For an hour and a half, the wheelchair rugby athletes shared their unique insight on living with spinal cord injury,
wheelchair rugby, active lifestyles and eventually, even their custom made chairs with the students. Interested
children were encouraged to sit, move, and manipulate the sport specific chair about the gymnasium. Like all
spectators, the students marveled at the sports violent collisions and the players speed and agility on the court.
The Crash contributes to a variety of community events throughout the year to raise funds for related causes and
charity's, and awareness regarding day to day challenges in living with spinal cord injury. You can contact the
Crash at www.carolinacrash.org or 704-843-0204.
| Carolina Crash Players and Staff with some of Shiloh's After School Students |