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!

TOURNAMENT SEASON BRINGS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS TO ATLANTA

This spring of 2008 brought 18 teams from the Southeastern US to Atlanta as the Fernando Foundation hosted the yearly Power Soccer Eastern Regional Tournament. Sparks flew as perpetual competitors Circle City Rollers and Atlanta Synergy battled it out in the championship game, with Atlanta proving to the best team in this region. The summer brought even more energy back to Atlanta as the Fernando Foundation hosted the 2008 Power Soccer National Tournament as well! 8 teams from the east and 8 teams from the west – both Division 1 and Division 2 – gathered to compete for the title of National Champion. Sudden Impact, of Indianapolis, and Turnstone Fantastic Flyers, of Fort Wayne took home the first place trophies. Congrats are deserved nationwide!

The Fernando Foundation continues to launch new teams yearly in the Southeastern US, and is consistently involved with FIPFA (the international federation of Power Soccer worldwide) participating in training and team launches in new countries each year. Fall of 2008 will bring them to Switzerland for a potential team launch and to Paris for the Champions League, the international championship of European Power Soccer clubs.

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
Now you may sponsor a needy child on line! For as little as $35.00 a month you can change a life forever. Click Sponsor A Child on the left bar menu and find the child you would like to support. Pictures and bios are available for each of the children who are waiting for help.