KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
Athletes took to the courts of the Santa Clarita Sports Complex for the Triumph Foundation’s Wheelchair Sports Festival on Saturday morning.
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The clanking of wheelchairs filled the complex as athletes hurled themselves into one another during quad rugby, also known as murderball.
“This event is unique because it’s all inclusive where everybody can participate,” said Andrew Skinner, founder and director of the Triumph Foundation. “It doesn’t matter if you have any equipment, it doesn’t even matter if you have a disability. Everybody in the community gets to participate.”
From right: Steve Kim, owner of the Sand Canyon Country Club after giving Andrew Skinner, founder and director of the Triumph Foundation, a $25,000 check to the foundation.
The opening of the festival launched with a $25,000 check presented to the foundation by Steve Kim, owner of the Sand Canyon Country Club.
“I always try to find a good cause that has meaning,” Kim said. “This is a good cause. This is very encouraging. I’m happy to be here to give help to the cause.”
The festival also functions as a Paralympic Gateway to Gold event that introduces new athletes to the possibility of making it to the U.S. Paralympic Team, Skinner said.
“It’s awesome to be able to introduce all the different sports to everybody, so they can understand that there’s opportunities for them to live a fulfilling life after their injuries,” said Dean Maccabe, a 2000 Paralympic Gold Medalist for wheelchair rugby, who was a referee for the festival.
The 6th annual festival continues Sunday from 9 a.m. — 3 p.m., according to Skinner.
An awards ceremony for participating athletes will also be held Sunday.
The Triumph foundation is a Paralympic sports club that holds clinics to introduce people interested in adaptive sports.
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ALWAYS such an honor to volunteer for Triumph Foundation! The Wheelchair Sports Festival is an eye-opening and inspiring event . . . if you didn’t make it out to the event this year, plan on it for next! See you then!
My nephew Terry Nelson has played the sport for over 20 years now. He was only 19 at time time of his accident and the sport as well as his loving family has given his life meaning ! My husband Richard and I have followed the sport for over 20 years watching many young men’s lives change and have meaning after becoming paralyzed or immobile for various reasons ! Now even women are playing the sport ! We have watched the game in many states and even championships games I would highly recommend it !