First wheelchair football field in NY

Athletes, dignitaries and Parks Department officials were joined by former New York Giants fullback Charles Way at Victory Field in Forest Park, for the dedication of New York State's first wheelchair football field.
The Parks & Recreation Department collaborated with the United Spinal Association, a national membership organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with spinal cord injuries and disorders.
Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe said on Thursday, November 16, that the field was part of the largest expansion of the City's parks since the 1930s, and &#8220reflects the philosophy of inclusion and the desire to make New York's parks accessible to everyone,” he said.
Benepe went on to say that $160 million had been spent on parks in the past five years, with another $150 million worth of projects under construction. Wheelchair Football which was adapted from the rules of 6-on-6 flag football in the 1970's requires an asphalt surface to allow the athletes to maneuver their wheelchairs.
As Parks officials literally held up a wind-battered marquee, Way said, &#8220A windy, fall day . . . it's a great day for football.” He went on to offer his services as a coach to the team.
Following the dedication, an exhibition game of wheelchair football was played by the New York Giants, a team of United Spinal Association athletes sponsored by the football Giants from all over the City.
The waiting athletes, who were divided into white and blue teams, threw themselves into play, crashing and banging wheelchairs to get to the ball. Frequent falls were greeted with cheers as laughing footballers pulled themselves up and went back into the fray.
&#8220These guys are serious,” said Lisa Del Guidice, a rehab therapist at NYU's Pediatric Rehabilitation unit. &#8220It's easy to be an athlete when you're standing; it takes real skill to do it from a wheelchair.”
&#8220The dedication of facilities such as the wheelchair football field at Victory Field, which gives people with disabilities a chance to participate in the sports they love, is a truly rewarding experience,” United Spinal Association Sports and Recreation Director Bill Hannigan said.