¦ August 11, 2009
2009 NATIONAL JUNIOR DISABILITY CHAMPIONSHIPS
SSPF Recognized for Grant to North Jersey Navigators Adaptive Sports Team

The 2009 National Junior Disability Championships (NJDC) were held this month in St. Louis, Missouri.  NJDC and the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) Junior World Championship games give young athletes with disabilities an opportunity to participate in an encouraging venue, in competition against the top athletes from the U.S. and the rest of the world while preparing them for their participation in future Paralympics Games.  Over 200 athletes from 23 countries competed at this year’s IWAS Junior World Championships.   

Participation of the North Jersey Navigators, an adaptive sports team headed by a staff of hardworking volunteers, was made possible in part by a grant from the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation. 

In his thank you note to Ida Cahill, President of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, North Jersey Navigators Coordinator Jimmy Cuevas stated, “The Navigators’ performance at the NJDC was excellent; all the athletes obtained new personal best records and the team netted a total record of 123 medals (77 Gold, 30 Silver, 16 Bronze), set 16 new national records, and once again placed first on the large team category consisting of teams with 9-23 athletes.  The Navigators team of Jerson Calderon, Emmanuel Cespedes, Jim Cuevas, Gianfranco Iannotta, Miguel Jimenez,  Raymond Martin, Crystal Orihuela, Toni Saia and Jeremy Tantsits, competed in track, field, swimming, archery and table tennis events. As a result of their hard work, dedication and commitment to the Navigators adaptive sports program, the team averaged 22.98 points per athlete, while the team that placed second on the large team category average 13 points per athlete.  Four members of the Navigators were selected as members of the Junior USA Team to participate at the IWAS Junior World Championships in Switzerland July 15-19 against over 200 athletes from 23 countries.  The performance of the Navigators’ athletes representing the US competing in track and field events was outstanding, netting a total of 11 medals (7 Gold, 3 Silver, and 1 Bronze).  Team member Gianfranco Iannotta broke the 100 meters junior world record in the T52 (under 16 years-old) class.  The North Jersey Navigators are very proud of our accomplishments at the 2009 NJDC and 2009 IWAS Junior World Championships.  The coaching staff is extremely pleased with the way the team continues to improve and excel in adaptive/wheelchair sports.  Your organization has made a tremendous impact to the success of our adaptive sports program and we thank you for your continued support; we couldn’t have done it without you!”