UCP of Central Ohio Scores Big with Challenge Football Competition
On Sunday, March 30th, Central Ohio youth with disabilities congregated in Columbus, Ohio for a chance to play flag football with the Columbus Destroyers and cheer with the Bombshells, the cheerleaders for the team, at the Nationwide Arena in the first annual Challenger Football Competition hosted by UCP of Central Ohio. With two children of his own, Destroyers Quarterback Matt Nagy said, "The Destroyers are honored to be involved with UCP and this event. By taking part, the team is helping individuals who aren't as fortunate. We are happy to be a part of the day, and the game."
Many event participants started off the exciting weekend attending Saturday night's game to watch the Columbus Destroyers take on the Orlando Predators. Before kickoff, the group was invited to join the Bombshells in forming a Tunnel of Support to welcome the Destroyers onto the playing field.
During Sunday's UCP of Central Ohio Challenger Football Competition, each participant was paired with a Football or Cheerleader Buddy. During each 30 minute game, utilizing the rules of flag football, the Football Buddy caught the ball and handed it off to the youth who then ran/wheeled, threw, caught and scored! The UCP of Central Ohio Challenger Football Competition allowed the youth to learn the ideals of sportsmanship and make new friends while transforming disabilities into abilities. Being awarded a medal by a Columbus Destroyer or a Destroyer Bombshell is a moment these youth will not soon forget.
Four UCP Wheels for Humanity volunteers were on stage at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, CA next to Maria Shriver for the opening of American Idol "Gives Back" that will air tonight, April 9, 2008 on the FOX Television Network. The Idol Gives Back Foundation is harnessing American Idol's ability to capture America's hearts and the power of entertainment to benefit some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world. This show is a benefit that will raise awareness and funds to benefit six different charities. In fact, during the show, viewers will be able to make donations.
UCP Wheels for Humanity volunteers will appear within the first five minutes of the opening of the show next to Maria Shriver.
Guests include Robin Williams, Celine Dion, Forest Whitaker, Billy Crystal, Dane Cook, Kiefer Sutherland, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Jennifer Connolly, Elliott Yamin, Fantasia and Amy Adams join previously announced international talent and sports figures Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Maroon 5, Heart and Gloria Estefan.
Meet Brandon Ryan. Born with Cerebral Palsy, he wasn't given much of a chance to ever feed himself, dress himself, let alone ride his bike. Thankfully, his parents were not going to allow any barriers to stand in his way. Ryan still remembers his father teaching him how to drink from a straw and how his mother endured freezing temperatures just to walk to the store for his food.
He has been through it all. Both of his hips have been medically broken and severed to provide arch support for his feet. He has had his tendons lengthened in both legs and a rhizotomy. He says, "it has taken me such a long time to cope with the scars in my body, to be comfortable in my own skin. But none of the pain, even begins to compare to the grace and peace that I have found through faith."
His story is one that many people with disabilities encounter everyday. Ryan has captured his story in his book The Emotional Struggle. "This book is my honest attempt at confession—a huge confession, requiring everything that had been lodged in the chambers of my soul to aid in expression." His book deals with universal psychological issues that all people with disabilities face: self-doubt, hope, grief, perserverance and the redeeming power of love.
Last month, UCP of Nassau County hosted its "Break the Ice Swim" fundraiser at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park Beach. The event features brave men and women plunging into the cold Oyster Bay Harbor to raise money for UCP. Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto says, "it's a cause that warms your heart."
2008 Believable Hope Conference Update: Nominations Due Soon
Award Nominations Due April 16
United Cerebral Palsy is accepting nominations for its prestigious Awards for Excellence, which will be presented at the 2008 Believable Hope Conference in Washington, DC. Nominations are due by April 16, 2008, so don’t delay!
We want to hear about the great work being done in your community. Please visit the UCP Web site for nomination forms:
» Employer of the Year Award;
» Life Without Limits Award;
» Prentke Romich Augmentative and Alternative Communication Service Award; and
» Universal Accessibility Design Award.
Addiontal affiliate award categories are listed on AffNet.
Contact Terrie King at 800-872-5827 for more information. Don't Delay - Register today for the 2008 Believable Hope Conference, sponsored by United Cerebral Palsy.
Read Capitol Insider for an overview of the week's most important public policy events.
Announcements
» United Cerebral Palsy of Huntsville & Tennessee Valley Seminar: "If you can’t breathe, you can't function" Integrating Cardiopulmonary and Postural Control Strategies (Pediatric and Adult Populations) with instructor Mary Massery, PT, DPT (Huntsville, TN May 16-18, 2008).
» Learn the Signs—Act Early: April is National Autism Awareness Month. The Learn the Signs, Act Early campaign is issuing a challenge to help spread the word to people in communities across the country about the importance of monitoring development early in a child's life—the first step toward detecting a developmental delay and helping a child reach his or her full potential.
Moeller students give technology Cincinnati.com, 4/8/08 The Moeller Youth Philanthropy Council is giving back to the community by making a donation to United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cincinnati.
Can child's umbilical-cord blood be used to treat his own cerebral palsy? Los Angeles Times, 4/7/08 "We would love for research like this to put us out of business," said Dr. Dara Richardson-Heron, national medical director for United Cerebral Palsy. But until more research is done, she said, "it's important to be cautiously optimistic."
Hollywood's doors opening for actors with disabilities Los Angeles Times, 4/7/08 Nick Daley, 28, has Prader-Willi Syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by short stature, low muscle tone and mild retardation. He's also been in 17 films and 11 television shows, including a guest-starring role in last season's TNT series "Saving Grace."
Pride on display at Disability Day Berkshire Eagle, 4/6/08 She takes cooking classes and practices tai chi. And she also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and the United Cerebral Palsy.
Diversity Council explores subject of disabilities MLive.com, 4/4/08 Paul Landry defines a disability as "another way of doing something." Landry, director of employment programs for United Cerebral Palsy of Metropolitan Detroit, has had cerebral palsy since he was 4 months old.
The Deal Detective: Tips for travelers with disabilities SmarterTravel.com, 4/3/08 At the end of last week's column, I printed two reader questions about traveling with disabilities. Frank G. wanted to help his daughter enjoy Egypt in a wheelchair, while Heidi D. asked about the best ships and cruise lines for her disabled mother. Your response was overwhelming, so I've decided to post a sample of the best ones here today.
UCO students experience life with disabilities Edmond Sun, 4/3/08 Despite a cold and rainy week, more than 500 students a day participated Monday through Wednesday in the sixth annual Disability Awareness Week at the University of Central Oklahoma. This was a joint event made by Students for An Accessible Society and Disability Support Services.
Autism Awareness Day brings focus to affected children ABC 7 Suncoast News, 4/2/08 (Video) The United Nations has designated April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day. The group is trying to raise awareness about the more than 35 million people affected by the brain disorder.
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