INTERNATIONAL POWER SOCCER COMES TO ATLANTA

Power Soccer (named Powerchair Football internationally) is one of a few competitive team sports for power wheelchair users. It’s a dynamic new way to play the game of soccer – with guards to cover players feet and an oversized ball. The most premiere Power Soccer Event in North America this fall is the Americas Champions Cup, which will feature the best Power Soccer club teams in the USA and Canada during a two-day tournament held Friday, October 23rd and Saturday, October 24th at the Suwanee Sports Academy.

"Power Soccer requires strategy, precise plays and impeccable teamwork, and we are thrilled to be bringing eight of the best teams in North America together to compete," said Jonathan Newman, President of the Americas Zone of the Federation Internationale de Powerchair Football (FIPFA), the organization presenting the event. "The interest of Power Soccer here in the United States has grown exponentially over the decade and our hope with this tournament is to showcase the best teams and provide an opportunity for others in power wheelchairs to play and experience the sport."

The inaugural Americas Champions Cup is organized by FIPFA and teams from the US Power Soccer Association (USPSA) and Powerchair Football Canada (PFC), both members of FIPFA, are participating. The event is being hosted by the Fernando Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the growth of powerchair football in the US and abroad. The tournament is being held to provide international match experience for players, coaches and referees in FIPFA’s America’s Zone, and also preparation for the Powerchair Football World Cup in 2011.

The American teams that will be competing are the Atlanta Synergy (owned by the Fernando Foundation), Ball State Cardinals, Circle City Rollers, and Sudden Impact. The Canadian teams are Vancouver Lightning, Team Quebec, North Shore Eagles, and Okanagan Thunderchairs.

"We are thrilled to participate in this terrific event. I specifically am looking forward to bringing my team because many players on many teams will never have the opportunity to play in an international competition overseas," said Mike Hayes, coach of the Circle City Rollers of Indianapolis. "The Americas Champions Cup gives so many people the chance to have international competition!"

The tournament games will be held from 9 am – 5 pm on both Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24 with the Championship Game scheduled for Saturday afternoon. For additional information about Power Soccer visit www.FIPFA.org. For information about the Americas Champions Cup contact Kim Salewski at the Fernando Foundation 770.622.2121 x246 or email ksalewski@fernandofoundation.org.

POWER SOCCER IS STILL ROLLING…

It has been nearly two years since the Fernando Foundation invited 9 international Power Soccer delegations to the International Powerchair Football Association Summit in order that one universal set of laws be written for this dynamic game. It’s hard to believe how far we have come!

After taking the new laws of the game back to their home country, each team began preparing for the inaugural Powerchair Football World Cup – the first of its kind for powerchair athletes worldwide. In the meantime, an official organization was created to represent Powerchair Football internationally: The Federation de Internationale Powerchair Football Association (FIPFA). FIPFA is currently developing new strategies to launch more teams globally and unite those that already exist.

TEAM USA WINS THE POWERCHAIR FOOTBALL WORLD CUP!

The 2007 FIPFA World Cup in October was a great leap for this fast-paced sport, fueling even more exhilaration within the hearts of participants and spectators alike! The tournament brought 7 countries to Tokyo, Japan for the experience of a lifetime. With heated competition until the double overtime penalty kick shootout, the US national team fought long and hard to earn the title of World Champion. How rewarding for us all to see how Power Soccer has grown from a grassroots endeavor to an international movement!

WANT TO PLAY?  VOLUNTEER?  WHAT DO YOU BELONG TO?

Whether across an ocean, or in your own neighborhood, Power Soccer wouldn’t exist without the power of our supporters behind it. If you are interested in joining or starting a Power Soccer team in your area, having the Atlanta Synergy team provide a teaching clinic or demonstration for your event, or receiving a DVD with more information about Power Soccer, please contact Kim Salewski at the Fernando Foundation at 770.622.2121 x246 or ksalewski@fernandofoundation.org. Additional information about United States Power Soccer is available at www.PowerSoccerUSA.net.

Napa, California Dentist Donates Services To Karuna Orphans in India

Adrian and Jeannie Fenderson of Napa, California, have been financially supporting the Karuna Sharan orphanage project since they first heard about it several years ago.

Two years ago Adrian and Jeannie were able to meet Pastor Karl and Suzan Silva, the visionaries and founders of Karuna, when they learned that the children of Karuna have no dental care available to them. After that conversation, a dream was born, and for two years they planned and organized a trip to India in order to provide dental treatment for the Karuna orphans. The couple, along with their daughter, Tiffany, fulfilled their vision in November, 2008, and spent a week in Vasai at the Karuna Hostel.

Armed with a portable X-ray unit and an X-ray program on a laptop and a mound of cargo, the three were able to see all 76 orphans and 15 staff and performed 30 extractions, treated 137 surfaces on 109 teeth and did 27 cleanings. The staff and their children received 10 cleanings, had 5 extractions, and received treatment on 9 surfaces of 5 teeth. Quite a productive week, especially considering the fact that the electricity cuts off intermittently, therefore drills and other equipment cannot be used at all times, not to mention the lack of air-conditioning.

Adrian, Jeannie and Tiffany say that. “Our lasting impression of India and Karuna Sharan are ones of a fun, exciting and challenging time. The challenge of power that went off intermittently meant we could only do X-rays, cleanings, exams and extractions at those times, but we used those gaps thoroughly with flashlights! The challenge of no water meant that rinsing instruments stopped and everything had to be scrubbed with alcohol. The challenge of a compressor that had to be turned off to prevent overheating whenever the drill wasn’t running kept the assistants busy. But those were small compared to the joy of our time there. The joy of how healthy and happy all the children were. The joy of the beautiful facility staffed with the most remarkable people. The joy of watching the older children care for and love the younger ones. The joy of the seeing and eating the wonderful, healthy, food. The joy and love we felt as the children presented us with the gifts and thank you cards they had made for us.”

Sponsor a Karuna Orphan
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