United Spinal Association,
a national not-for-profit organization enhancing the lives of people
with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), is seeking support
from the motorsports industry in its grass-roots effort to raise
awareness of SCI/D and to encourage people with disabilities, including
individuals who use adaptive automotive equipment, to participate in
competitive motorsports.
Adaptive automobile technology has
helped pave the way for more people with disabilities to confidently
get behind the wheel, not only to travel more freely, but to compete in
motorsports. Although the popularity of motorsports is increasing
nationwide, most people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D)
are still unaware of the opportunities to participate in this thrilling
sport.
Advanced hand control systems are enabling drivers with disabilities to
compete on an equal playing field with drivers without disabilities.
And the best part is that you don’t have to be a professional driver to
pursue your love of racing. Whether you choose to compete in local
amateur racing events through organizations such as the Sports Car Club
of America (SCCA) or experience the exhilarating speed of go-karting,
there are great opportunities out there for people with SCI/D that
don’t involve superior driving skills or expensive vehicle
modifications. WATCH VIDEO HERE.
Bill Hannigan United Spinal director of Sports Marketing said, “It’s
been a lot of fun so far. This campaign is blossoming into something
much bigger than we originally anticipated. We are discovering that
many individuals within the SCI/D community are very eager to learn
more about our Motorsports program and how they can get involved. By
continuing to cultivate partnerships within the industry we hope to
open more outlets to people with SCI/D to participate in new and
exciting recreational/professional sports at the same time increase
awareness of SCI/D.”
To help spread the message about motorsports and SCI/D, United Spinal
is welcoming amateur and professional drivers of all abilities who
would like to assist in supporting the program. “By simply displaying
the United Spinal Motorsports logo on your vehicle you not only
increase SCI/D awareness, but join the ranks of drivers from NASCAR,
Formula 1, Indy Racing League, National Hot Rod Association, and Sports
Car Club of America who are already proudly displaying our logo and
supporting an important and highly-rewarding mission,” said Jody
DeVere, chair of United Spinal Association’s Motorsports Committee and
president of AskPatty.com, Inc., an automotive advice Web site.
United Spinal Association sponsors a wide variety of wheelchair
recreational and adaptive sports programs guided by the belief that the
benefits of participating in sports are no different for athletes with
disabilities than for those without disabilities. Membership is free
and open to all individuals with disabilities of the spinal cord.
For more information please contact Bill Hannigan, director of Sports
and Recreation at United Spinal Association at 800.404.2898 ext. 268 or
bhannigan@unitedspinal.org.
