The Michigan Victory Games: An Inside Look

By Michael Chambers

Michigan Disability Sports Alliance Board Member/Athlete/Coach

 

Are you always on the sidelines watching as your classmates get to play sports? Do you have a desire to compete? Are you looking for a great social outlet? Would you answer "Yes" to all of the above? That is exactly where I was more than a decade ago. I felt left out due to the lack of recreational outlets available to me, and I had a desire to showcase all of my abilities, in spite of being a power wheelchair user.

 

But at the age of 14, I happened upon my local disabled sports team and oh, how my life has changed! Driving my wheelchair way too fast through the grocery store is now considered practice. Not only do I now have athletic opportunities, I have also found a true group of peers to hang out with and not have to explain the trials and tribulations of life dealing with a disability. We just focus on our abilities and have fun competing with each other. Finding my team changed my life forever. I have met some of my best friends through my team and have competed alongside Para Olympic-caliber athletes.

 

All too often, people say sports really aren't their "thing" -­ before they truly grasp what we are all about. The Michigan Victory Games (MVG) offer numerous sports in which you compete against fellow athletes with similar ability levels in everything from bowling and boccia ball to swimming and table tennis. Additionally, participation in MVG provides the opportunity for high school athletes to earn their Varsity letter through their local school system.

 

Michigan Victory Games offers a four-day athletic competition (prior athlete classification required), to anyone over the age of 7, at Michigan State University in East Lansing. There is also an Open Division Competition (no athlete classification required) held on Saturday, May 19. This year MVG takes place from Thursday, May 17 to Sunday, May 20, 2012. Volunteer and athlete enrollment forms are on the website, along with sponsor and donation information.

 

If you have a primary physical diagnosis or know of someone who does, I urge you to visit www.MichiganVictoryGames.org and explore what we are all about (we have a great dance for athletes too!). We offer numerous ways you can take part: there are teams throughout the state of Michigan (and we can always use new teams). You can check it out. If there isn't one close to you, don't worry, because individuals can compete as independent athletes. Or, if you would like to form your own team, feel free to contact us for more information at MiDSA.MAC@gmail.com or Shusch@striveonline.org, or call us at 248-922-1236.

 

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TSA Helpline for Travelers with Disabilities
 

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the launch of TSA Cares today, a new helpline number designed to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions, prior to getting to the airport. Travelers may call TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. 

 

When a passenger with a disability or medical condition calls TSA Cares, a representative will provide assistance, either with information about screening that is relevant to the passenger's specific disability or medical condition, or the passenger may be referred to disability experts at TSA. TSA recommends that passengers call approximately 72 hours ahead of travel so that TSA Cares has the opportunity to coordinate checkpoint support with a TSA Customer Service Manager located at the airport when necessary.

 

Every person and item must be screened before entering the secure area of an airport and the manner in which the screening is conducted will depend on the passenger's abilities and any specific equipment brought to the security checkpoint.

 

TSA strives to provide the highest level of security while ensuring that all passengers are treated with dignity and respect. The agency works regularly with a broad coalition of disability and medical condition advocacy groups to help understand their needs and adapt screening procedures accordingly.

 

The hours of operation for the TSA Cares helpline are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. EST, excluding federal holidays. After hours, travelers can find information about traveling with disabilities and medical needs on TSA's website.

All travelers can contact TSA using Talk To TSA, a web-based tool that allows passengers to reach out to an airport Customer Service Manager directly, and the TSA Contact Center, 1 866-289-9673 and TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov, where travelers can ask questions, provide suggestions and file complaints. Travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to contact TSA Cares or can e-mail TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov

 

Source: TSA website  www.tsa.gov

The Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards (MACMHB) is hosting eight regional forums for review and discussion of the state's proposed plan for persons with Medicaid and Medicare eligibility. Representatives from the Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration will participate to answer questions and provide clarification on the impact of the plan for persons with psychiatric illnesses, substance use disorders and developmental disabilities. The proposed plan will be announced on March 5th. Visit the UCP Michigan website for a list of the forum dates, times, and locations.

 

DO YOU WISH YOU COULD CREATE A BETTER EDUCATION FOR YOUR CHILD?

LIVONIA PUBLIC LIBRARY
32777 5 MILE ROAD, LIVONIA

SATURDAY, MARCH 10
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Livonia Public Library
Author and advocate Jennifer
Greening, Ed.S. provides research and
advice for successfully including your
child with special needs in their
neighborhood school. Book included: Opening Doors,
Opening Lives: Creating awareness of
advocacy, inclusion, and education for
our children with special needs.

SATURDAY, MARCH 31
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Livonia Public Library