UNITED STATES QUAD RUGBY ASSOCIATION

August, 2006

U.S. Paralympics Wheelchair Rugby National Team One Month Away From World Championships
By Susan Katz

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.-With just one month left until the start of the 2006 International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF) World Championships, the U.S. Paralympics Wheelchair Rugby National Team is in its final stages of preparation for the big tournament. The team returns to the Lakeshore Foundation U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Site for a 2-week long training camp, August 11-27. This is the last opportunity for the team to train together prior to their departure for Christchurch, New Zealand on September 5.

"We need to take this opportunity to correct and understand the miscues that happened at both the North American Cup and Canada Cup, the two tournaments we played in earlier this summer," said U.S. head coach James Gumbert (Austin, TX). "This extended period of time together also allows us to continue to develop our line-ups and spend a significant amount of time reviewing game film and learning more about the opponents we'll see at Worlds."

The team will have several on-court training sessions, but athletes will also have the opportunity to participate in fitness and strength and conditioning training throughout their two week stay. Intra squad scrimmages
will be open to the public at the following times:

Sunday, August 13, 5:00pm-8:00pm
Monday, August 14, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Friday, August 18, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Monday, August 21-Friday, August 25, 5:00pm-8:00pm
Sunday August 27, 10:30am-12:30pm

While the U.S. team played to a perfect 10-0 record in two international tune-up tournaments earlier this summer, there is still a lot of preparation to be done before World Championships, which will feature the top 12 teams in the world. The United States is currently ranked third and is defending silver medalists from the 2002 World Championships.

"We made a lot of strides and took a lot of big steps this summer," said U.S. veteran Scott Hogsett (Phoenix, AZ). "But, there is still a lot of work to be done in this last month. The competition between the top 5-6
teams is going to be so close, we have to be meticulous in our preparation for this tournament and make sure we have thoroughly covered every aspect of the game."

Coaches and athletes will be available for media opportunities throughout the two-week training camp. To arrange an interview in advance, please contact Susan Katz, Communications Coordinator, at (205) 313-7434, (205) 381-0600 (cell), or susank@lakeshore.org.

2006 U.S. Paralympics Wheelchair Rugby Team Roster
Team USA Website

About Lakeshore Foundation U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site Lakeshore Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with physical disabilities through
fitness, recreation, and athletics. These programs help children and adults with physical disabilities maintain healthy and active lifestyles, as well as develop stronger self-esteem and improve independent living skills. The
United States Olympic Committee designated Lakeshore Foundation an official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site in 2003. Along with the nation's other Olympic Training Sites, Lakeshore Foundation plays a critical role in the success of U.S. athletes. For more information, visit www.lakeshore.org

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