11/00

JUNIOR WHEELCHAIR RUGBY PROGRAM
by Bob Jackson

It is registration time at USQRA. A time when teams look back at last year, evaluate how they played, determine what they need to do to improve their teams, and try to find ways to keep playing this sport called "Wheelchair Quad Rugby." Based on some of the calls received in the Secretary's office, there seems to be more emphasis around the country, on finding ways to build a stronger team. Perhaps it is because of the fantastic job our guys did in Sydney winning the gold, playing to a sell out crowd of over 10,000 people with scores more waiting outside. Or maybe it's because players are beginning to find out they too can qualify for the next Paralympic team. Whatever the reason, good teams are not just developed by recruiting that high pointer, who presumably is going to insure a trip to Nationals; although it can't hurt. They are developed by building a well balanced program that has the resources to support the team in it's development and growth. Nobody ever said it was going to be easy, and there are lots of ways to accomplish this.

We here in Chicago are working on developing a junior wheelchair rugby program. Three years ago we were playing in Columbus. On the final day of competition, I went to the gym early as we were playing in the championship game. I pulled up behind a family watching a game in progress. They had a five year old son who was a quad. I silently stayed back and watched the boy who was aching to be involved in the action. The boy pulled away, went to the extra court and very studiously, began to push his chair in like fashion to what he had seen. As the boy came wheeling past me, I stopped him and asked if he would like to play; he lit up. After speaking with his parents, we got him involved with our team on the practice court and had our coach bring him into the pre-game huddle. After the game, we staged a little scrimmage, with the boy (obviously) playing a scoring role.

After the scrimmage, the boy's folks approached having wisely kept their distance; tears were running down their faces. They stated, "This is the first time we have seen the boy so excited and involved in anything." The important thing though, was the way the boy picked up on the game, everything we showed him he applied on the court. I told our coach, if we could get all of our guys to listen, focus and work that hard, we could beat Sharp (well, it would be a good game anyway). That experience has stuck in my mind, each year, when we go back to Columbus, I make it a point to inquire about this kid. He is a different person than before, according to his parents; full of confidence, more energy, more participative in sports and other activities at school and is just simply a lot happier. Perhaps this game we all love to play, has a greater purpose than we know.

I told this story at the planning retreat some of us attended a couple of years ago in Warm Springs Georgia, and suggested "Junior Wheelchair Rugby" is one way to expand the game and build in a great recruiting tool at the same time. It's also not a bad way for quads who are parents; natural or adoptive, to get involved with their kids and selfishly, it couldn't hurt fund raising to have a bunch of "Rugby Moms" or dads out there. But sometimes you have to give, before you receive.

As part of our effort to improve the Chicago Bears, this past summer representatives of the team, and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago met with representatives of the Northeast District Special Recreation Association (NESDRA) to discuss their co-sponsoring our team. NESDRA is part of a local park district in the Chicago area, with a state-of-the-art playing facility for all residents of the community, including athletes with disabilities. As part of that agreement; in exchange for gym time, tournament sponsorship and fund raising assistance, our team will assist in developing a junior rugby program for the facility. I talked this over with Kevin Orr, as he has more experience in junior sports than I. Kevin has offered his support and is doing something similar in Alabama. Dan McCauley and Rick Draney are working with kids at Sharp Rehab in San Diego. Additionally, Brad Mikkelson tells me he has worked with kids in Colorado. Brad made a good observation. "Kids seem to get more out of playing rugby because they all can't lift their arms enough to sink a basket, or swing a bat; but all of them can run their chair into somebody, thereby providing a more participative experience." This idea may be bigger and closer to being formed than we know. Maybe it's time to put our heads together and see how best to proceed. It certainly can't hurt USQRA and more likely than not will help a lot of young kids to understand there is more to life than just sitting around in a wheelchair waiting for somebody to take care of them.

If your team is involved or considering getting involved with kids I would like to hear from you. Call me at 630-960-5588 or email rhja@msn.com 

How to Contact us | Quad Rugby Central Index

Home Page | Rugby Calendar | Sports Page | Score Board | USQRA Zone | Files