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Cerebral Palsy - Back to News Menu
Disabled athletes hit by cash crisis
By EUNICE del ROSARIO
7 June 2005 - A CASH shortage could mean some of Bahrain's disabled athletes are missing out on competing in a global event in the US later this month.
The 14-member delegation may be reduced to 10, for the 2005 Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CP-ISRA) World Championships in New London, Connecticut, US. It will cost about BD857 per person to send the eight disabled athletes and six coaches to the games.
This will cover return air tickets, US visa fees, insurance, sports uniforms, equipment and daily allowance.
The Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation (BDSF) confirmed yesterday that almost BD8,000 had been raised so far through various donations from companies and individuals, but about BD4,000 more is needed to ensure that all of the 14 members can go.
"We are working very hard to make sure that the delegation goes to the US," said BDSF managing director Essam Kamal.
"But at the same time, we have already told the athletes and the coaches that some of them may have to stay back because we have only raised enough funds to send 10 instead of 14. "All of the players understand that this is all up to the funds we receive from our supporters."
The cash shortage could mean dropping two athletes and two coaches from the delegation.
The games take place from June 27 to July 10 and the athletes due to take part from Bahrain are Ahmed Abbas Al Mushaima, Ayman Al Heddi, Ahmed Abdul Rahman Kamal, Majid Mohammed Al Shaikh, Mustafa Khalil Al Aradhi, Jassim Mohammed, Tahani Ali Abbas and Sughra Abdulla Salman.
They are to be accompanied by head of delegation Sabah Al Thawadi, coaches Abdulla Al Dhakeel, Adel Al Asfoor and Eman Hassan Abdulla and administrators Wasna Al Aradhi and Badriya Khamees.
"The championships feature world-class athletic competition in nine sports for people with cerebral palsy-related physical disabilities," said Mr Kamal.
"Our Bahraini athletes, all with cerebral palsy, would be participating in the athletics category."
Nearly 1,000 athletes from 36 countries with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy, stroke, or brain injury will compete in the sports of bowls, cross country, cycling, powerlifting, slalom, soccer, swimming, table tennis, and track and field. Other Arab countries joining the event include Iran and Kuwait. For more information, or to donate funds, contact Mr Al Thawadi on 39696214. For more information of 2005 Championships, visit www.cpworldchampionships.org.
United Cerebral Palsy Welcomes William H. Macy and David Hasselhoff to National Meeting in Phoenix
6/24/2005 - United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) will welcome Academy Award- nominated actor William H. Macy and David Hasselhoff to its 2005 National Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Ariz. on Saturday, June 25.
Who: United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)
Celebrity partners William H. Macy and David Hasselhoff
300 UCP executives and leaders of the national disability community
Where: The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, 2400 East Missouri, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (602) 955-6600
When: Saturday June 25, 2005
Special Plenary Session on Disability Rights featuring William H. Macy at 10 AM
Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner hosted by David Hasselhoff at 7:15 PM
Why: United Cerebral Palsy members meet to celebrate the strength of one of the largest health charities serving and advocating for more than 54 million Americans with disabilities nationwide.
William H. Macy is a United Cerebral Palsy Goodwill Ambassador and National Trustee. He is the winner of two Emmy awards for his portrayal of Bill Porter, an award-winning door-to-door salesman with cerebral palsy, in the TNT film Door to Door.
David Hasselhoff, acclaimed television and film actor, was named International Male Star of the Year on April 30 at the Bollywood Awards, India's version of the Academy Awards.
-- Please contact Jim Baker at (202) 361-6052 to schedule availability with Macy or Hasselhoff.
About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy is one of the nation's leading organizations serving and advocating for the more than 54 million Americans with disabilities. Most UCP consumers are people with disabilities other than cerebral palsy. Through its nationwide network, United Cerebral Palsy offers services to individuals, families and communities such as job training and placement, physical therapy, individual and family support, early intervention, social and recreation programs, community living, state and local referrals, and instruction on how to use technology to perform everyday tasks. For more information, call (800) 872-5827.
Contact: Jim Baker of United Cerebral Palsy, 202-361-6052 or jbaker@ucp.org
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