RIP Neil Armstrong

RIP Jerry Nelson

RIP Phyllis Diller

Elvis Remembered

I am an Elvis fan. Are you?

George Eyser, a paralympic pioneer

George Eyser

Prior to the start of this year's summer Olympics, I came across an article about George Eyser. He was a gymnast and a pioneering paralympian who competed at the 1904 games held in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Eyser was the first athlete with a disability to compete in an Olympics.

Originally from Germany, Eyser competed for Team USA. His Olympic dreams were nearly dashed in his teenage year when he lost his left leg after being run over by a train. Eyser, however, was undeterred, and took part in the games wearing a wooden prosthesis. He won all six of his medals in one day, three of which were gold! Eyser's gold medals came from the vault, rope climbing and parallel bars. His two silver came from the pommel horse and 4-event all-around, and his bronze from the horizontal bar.

His involvement in the Olympic Games predates the first Paralympic Games by 54 years. It's interesting to see how far athletes with disabilities have come since then, and are continuing to go.

Unfortunately, poor George Eyser has become a largely forgotten figure in Olympic/Paralympic history. Very little is known about him after he competed at his one and only Olympics. Apparently he spent most of his remaining years in the US, but it's not known if he was married, had children, or remained single. None of the biographers indicate when or where he died, either. His birth date is listed as August 31, 1870, meaning he was 34 when he took part in the Olympics.

I personally find this small piece of sports history interesting. George Eyser, I salute you.

My press release for an upcoming wheelchair hockey event

For: Immediate Release                                      August 1, 2012

SEAN ROSS SUMMER MEMORIAL CLASSIC CELEBRATES LIFE OF POWER HOCKEY PLAYER

TORONTO – On Saturday, August 25^th, 2012, a power wheelchair hockey fundraiser will be played in memory of a true sportsman. It will take place from 2-5pm at Alexandra Park’s Outdoor Rink (behind Scadding Court Community Centre, 707 Dundas St. West) Dundas/Bathurst. Friends and former teammates from the Canadian Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association (CEWHA) and the Toronto Power Wheelchair Hockey League (TPWHL) are expected to participate. All proceeds will go to Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

     Sean Ross was born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 1973, yet his passion for hockey led him to play his favourite sport for over 25 years. He epitomized the core values of amateur sports; playing with perseverance, respecting others and succeeding with true class and humility. Sean’s involvement in power hockey resulted in accolades and awards, and the admiration of friends and teammates. Many people mourned his passing in early 2011 (age 37). Now, his achievements are celebrated in what we hope will become an annual event.

     Power hockey, or wheelchair floor hockey, provides recreational and social benefits for youth and adults with physical disabilities. There are several power hockey leagues that exist in North America and internationally.

     For more information on the Sean Ross Summer Memorial Classic, or to participate, please contact Neil Mercer at 416-925-9817.

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