October 20, 2003

Dear Team Representative,

The South Florida Rattlers and Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation’s Therapeutic Recreation Services Section would like to invite you to our 4th Annual Knock & Roll Wheelchair Rugby Tournament. This event will be held in beautiful and exciting West Palm Beach on January 9-11, 2004.  This will be an eight-team invitational tournament.  Teams currently extended an invitation to attend are Casco Bay Navigators, Texas Stampede, Lakeshore Demolition, London Annihilators, Tampa Generals, Hoveround Lightning, Team Quebec, Pasadena Texans and Casa Plan B. 

Note: If we have not filled all 8 spots by November 28th, the remaining spots will be open to teams who have requested to come by sending an email with your request to: ajohnson@co.palm-beach.fl.us  This will be first come first served so submit your request now if interested.

Listed below is all of the pertinent information to help you plan accordingly.

REGISTRATION - A $300 registration fee applies and will cover up to 10 team members (additional members are $25 each).  Teams bringing a Certified Referee will receive a $100 reduction in their registration fee. The first seven teams that commit by telephone and by mailing in their registration fees will be selected to participate.  Make checks payable to Board of County Commissioners and mail to Antoinette Johnson, 2728 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth, Florida 33461

HOTEL - The Doubletree in Palm Beach Gardens will be the host hotel for all teams and participants.  We have secured a block of double rooms at a special rate of $89 per night, plus tax (sorry, no roll-away’s). All rooms have wide entrance doorways and 27" wide bathroom doors. A limited number of accessible rooms are available and can be requested at the time you book.  Please confirm your reservations no later than December 12th by calling (561) 622-2260 or toll free at (800) 445-2260.  Let them know you are booking under the Wheelchair Rugby group.

Flights - Palm Beach International Airport is your destination. Teams must arrive in as a group on Thursday, January 8^th.  We will try to meet anyone arriving separate, but make no promises.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION - Transportation will be provided from the airport to the host hotel which is 11 miles north. Daily transportation to the game site will be provided for all participants arriving by air.  A transportation schedule will be posted at the host hotel. 

VAN RENTAL - Come early or stay late. Accessible van rentals are available by calling Wheelchair Getaways at (800) 637-7577 or Action Mobility (561) 582-6500.

PLAYING SITE- Competition will take place at West Jupiter Recreation Center.  The gym is air-conditioned and has a full size tile court.  Overnight storage for playing chairs is available in the gym at your own risk.

COACHES MEETING - Thursday evening at the host hotel if necessary.

START TIME - 9:00 AM on Friday, January 9. (Transfers begin at 8:00)

END TIME- Play and Awards Ceremonies should be concluded by 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Please schedule your departure accordingly. Airport transfers will be available from the gym starting at noon on Sunday.  Those staying in Florida longer will be returned to the Doubletree Hotel.

PLAYING SCHEDULE - The schedule will be posted on the web and emailed to all team representatives as soon as it is available.

FOOD- Lunch and dinner will be provided at the gym each day for participants.

QUESTIONS: Call Antoinette Johnson at (561) 588-6648 ext 109.  You can also send
e-mail to ajohnson@co.palm-beach.fl.us or jbishop@quadrugby.com

We hope that your team will join us in January for what should be a great weekend full of competition, fun, and lots of sunshine. If you plan on being a part of this event we suggest that you confirm your spot right away as we expect to fill up fast.

Sincerely,

Antoinette Johnson,
Tournament Director
Phone (561) 588-6648 ext 109