News:

8-15-2005
Colorado Day At The Races Has Personal Meaning
Schmidt Hosts Guests from Craig Hospital

Colorado Day At The Races Has Personal Meaning

Schmidt Hosts Guests from Craig Hospital

SPARTA, Ky. - The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF), Sunrise Medical and Andretti Green Racing will give local spinal cord injury patients the opportunity to experience open wheel racing behind the scenes at Pikes Peak International Raceway, as well as hearing encouraging words from Sam Schmidt, race team owner and SSPF founder, a quadriplegic since a race car driving accident in 2000, who works daily to overcome the adversities of his own spinal cord injuries.

Schmidt, who often invents ways to find the spotlight - such as popping wheelies in his powered wheelchair - looks forward to the Day At The Races program as an opportunity to share his story of faith, hope and health with an audience of fellow paralysis victims.

“For the Day At The Races program at Pikes Peak, we work with Craig hospital out of Denver to bring patients and their families to the track. This is particularly important as Craig is one of only eighteen nationally recognized Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Centers,” explains Schmidt. “Having personally visited the hospital several times, I can say it is one of the finest places in the country for rehabilitation and we are privileged to be able to work with them.”

Through the SSPF and with the help of Pikes Peak International Raceway, Andretti Green Racing, Sunrise Medical and local organizations, Schmidt will again host area patients with spinal cord injuries and other debilitating injuries in the “Day At The Races” program, Saturday, August 20, at the race track.

As part of the program, Schmidt’s guests will dine in the Andretti Green Racing hospitality area, tour the pits and garages of the speedway, watch IndyCar practice and spend some time hearing stories and words of inspiration from Schmidt.

“I enjoy exposing all the guests to the excitement of open wheel racing at the highest level. I want them to have a behind the scenes look that the majority of them would never have the opportunity to see otherwise,” says Schmidt. “Most importantly, for the recently injured or disabled rehabilitation patients, is that they realize their situation doesn't mean they can't have a life and pursue their interests when released from the hospital.”

Schmidt’s successful IndyCar racing career ended in January of 2000, when his race car crashed during a practice session. With the persuasion of friends and family, Sam founded Sam Schmidt Motorsports, which will field Menards Infiniti Pro Series race cars for Travis Gregg, Jaime Camara and Chris Festa in the Pikes Peak 100 Sunday, August 21st. The team gives Schmidt an outlet for his racing talent and it provides a good promotional platform for his true passion, the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation.

SSPF strives to help individuals overcome spinal cord injuries. SSPF facilitates scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and raises funds to improve the quality of life of those affected by spinal cord injuries and other debilitating injuries and illnesses.

“I emphasize to those with spinal cord injuries that many exciting research projects and programs are underway around the world and they should make every effort to stay in shape with the hope that procedures are coming to improve their situation. What the future holds for each of them is entirely up to them individually,” says Schmidt. “Positive attitude is everything!”

Sam Schmidt spends two and a half hours each morning getting out of bed and ready for each day. He keeps his body in very good physical condition. He does this all because he has hope that there will be a cure some day, and he wants to be ready to walk when that day comes.

“Research continues each day, and with the discussions on Capitol Hill about the Stem Cell Research bill, there’s a strong prospect that research here in the U.S. is going to pick up a lot of speed. When the cure for my spinal cord injury is developed, I want to be ready!” Schmidt explains. “And keeping your body healthy keeps you from getting a lot of the other illnesses that can easily affect a person that’s not getting much activity.”

For more information about the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation visit www.SamSchmidt.org or call (317) 236-9999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Williams Company of America, Inc. (704) 660-0796