Quad Rugby/Story - USQRA Presents Annual Awards

UNITED STATES QUAD RUGBY ASSOCIATION

April, 2006

USQRA Presents Annual Awards at Nationals

Each year the United States Quad Rugby Association recognizes two of its members; one for their outstanding play on the court, and the other for their unselfish contributions to our sport. Award recipients are nominated by the general membership of the USQRA, and the results are announced during the USQRA's Annual Awards Dinner, held this year in Austin, Texas. Given the population of our sports membership and the number of people who work so hard on its behalf, it is a true honor to be a recipient.

Spirit of Achievement Award

The Spirit of Achievement award was created to recognize someone who has unselfishly given of their time and energy to help better our sport and association. This years honoree was James "Gumbie" Gumbert, from Austin Texas. Gumbie has been involved with our sport in many capacities over his long career, and is probably though of as a coach first by most people. While his presence on the sidelines as Head Coach of both the Texas Stampede and Team USA is well known, it was his work behind the scenes that won him this award.

USQRA Athlete of the Year

The 2006 Athlete of the Year Award was presented to Shinichi Shimakawa of the Phoenix Heat. Shinichi is a class 3.0 player who normally lives and plays Wheelchair Rugby in Japan. He came to the US as an import for Phoenix in the fall of 2005, and quickly proved to have what the Heat was missing. Speed, quickness, finesse and determination are all traits that "Shim" is known for. He was awarded MVP at every tournament that he played at this season, and was a blast to watch for both veteran rugby fans and newcomers alike.

Shimakawa's next appearance in North America will be at the Canada Cup in Vancouver, Canada this June, playing with Japans National team.

As a note, Wendy Gumbert was the 2006 inductee into the USQRA's Hall of Fame. Watch for a full story and photos here in the very near future. Congratulations to each of this years award recipients!

Special thanks are extended to each of the USQRA's Post Season sponsors for participating in this years tournaments. Your generous contributions allow us to continue to play this great sport!

The USQRA's 2006 Post-Season was Sponsored in Part by
PVA - Coloplast - Eagle Sportschairs - CCS Medical - Vesco Metal Craft
Spinergy - Therapeutic Alliances - Fusion Medical - ThinkFilm

Hit Counter

How to Contact us | Quad Rugby Central Index