Queens team plays tough – breaks even

BY ADAM MISCH

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 6:06 PM EDT

The 2009 NYC Mayor’s Cup Wheelchair Basketball Tournament highlighted some of the city’s fiercest competitors – including a tough Queens team.

Now celebrating its 10th year, the three-day competition ran from Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11.

“Wheelchair basketball is a great manifestation of basketball,” said John Hamre, president of the Wheelchair Sports Federation and head coach of Queens’ own NY Nets. “Anybody with a disability can join in on the competition.”

Hamre and the Nets played in eight games at the Mayor’s Cup. They broke even, winning four and losing four, but had a great time at the outing.

The Mayor’s Cup brought together teams from Manhattan, Suffolk County, Queens, Connecticut, New Jersey, New England, and Long Island. Plenty of spectators came out and enjoyed three days of free gritty basketball at Manhattan College in Riverdale.

“I have watched with great pride as the Mayor’s Cup Wheelchair Basketball Tournament presented by the Barclays/Nets Community Alliance has grown into the largest event of its kind in the Northeast,” said New York City Sports Commissioner Kenneth J. Podziba.

Wheelchair basketball is played on a regulation basketball court, but players may only push their wheelchair twice before dribbling or passing. The height of the basket is the standard 10 feet used in both college and professional basketball. Athletes use specially designed wheelchairs engineered for speed and maneuverability.

Former NBA player and coach Butch Beard was also honored at the Mayor’s Cup and presented with a community service award.

“The 2009 Mayor’s Cup Wheelchair Basketball Tournament presented by the Barclays/ Nets Community Alliance is an inspirational event that brings together an incredible group of athletes who demonstrate the best that the human spirit can offer,” said Beard, who once played for the New York Knicks. “Their character, leadership, and skill are to be admired by us all.”

Games are still being played for divisional competition, and any newcomers are welcomed on the Queens team, said Hamre.

Sponsored by the New York City Sports Commission, Barclays Nets Community Alliance, Louise and Arde Bulova Foundation and the Wheelchair Sports Federation, the tournament ended with the NEPVA (New England Paralyzed Veterans of America) Celtics rolling to victory.

For more information on the Mayor’s Cup or registration to compete, contact John Hamre at jthamre@gmail.com.