Wednesday, April 20, 2011
“Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play.”
~ Michael Singletary
I started thinking about exercise and sports when I was looking through an Ability magazine. I saw an invitation announcement for the Paralympic Leadership Conference (April 29 - May 2, 2011)...
Vicki,
Thanks so much for introducing us to these athletes. Very inspiring stories which help to highlight that we (MSers) are capable of some extraordinary things. Someday I'd love to hear some stories about your days barrel racing.
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
I have been so impressed by some of the Para athletes I have seen. I keep saying "world class," but I'm not sure that sinks in.
I had an online acquaintance who was on the wheelchair basketball team for Athens (bronze medal), and another who was on the swim team, maybe in Atlanta, but before I met her. Speaking of women's swimming, here's a good one — Trisha Zorn of the US won a bronze, but it was her 55th overall medal. I was impressed.
Other events include rowing and sailing, of courde shooting and archery, volleyball and football, and - listen to this - judo and power lifting! Don't ever think someone with a disability is automatically disabled. Not true.
Now, my competitive horseback sports. There was traditional three barrels, ten barrels, Nes Perce racing (six wooden poles, the Nez Perce may have developed the appaloosa, part of their culture was breeding fast horses, you remember Chief Joseph, of course - but I may be off topic), and more. Some were non-traditional events. For example, I won the blue ribbon for darts while galloping the length of the arena. That was a challenge and lots of fun. Enough? I was young and pre-MS.
Sports and athletics are fun, exhilarating, healthy, etc. Pick one, or two, or three or more, and go for it. This is good for your body whether or not you have MS. I know you are a musician, but that shouldn't stop you. I played piano, and later guitar, but only for pleasure.
This little comment response is getting too long so I will quit. Now it's your turn to tell us about life with MS and RA. I enjoy your stories about your music adventures, but there are not enough. Also, travel stories. Okay, I'm ready - at your leisure.