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Well like the Ed said, at least one of us at SA can put up. I have just been named to the US Disabled Sailing Team, which for the first time is under the umbrella of the USOC. For those readers who don't know, I am Webbdawg (aka pararacer; real name is David Trude), here at SA . It was 4 years ago on DEC 16, 1997 that I suffered an industrial accident and fell 25 ft to the ground, a fall that ultimately has rendered me a paraplegic. After a week in intensive care (broken back, ribs and a punctured lung), I went to 2 months of rehab. While in rehab, Billy Bob Boyer's mom (yea….we're a little family here), visited me and had a magazine about disabled sports. In the issue, was an article about SAILBOAT RACING (Hallelujah something to live for). So 6 months out of the hospital I went to St. Pete. Fl…jumped on a Sonar with 2 guys I had never met and took 2-second place finishes on the first day of a disabled regatta. We slowly faded after that - not knowing how to deal with my disability on the boat and crew friction were the main culprits. But notice was served...There was a new kid in town. So, after a few years as a gimp (a loving term that I use), sailing more as a gimp and getting used to dragging my legs around as a gimp, I have qualified for and been named to the 2001 US Disabled Sailing Team. So you'd think I would be thrilled, right? Well I am a bit happy to be honored that way, and it will get me a few $$ (and I do mean a few). But what really pisses me off is the equation they used. First off the Sonar is basically an East Coast boat. I think there about 4 of them out here in the West. Last year I did all the disabled races I could afford (I have no sponsors), did the NOOD in St. Pete, and got 6th out of 16 (winning 1 race) with an all disabled crew except for the bowwoman (Betsy Alison). I did not get to go to the International. Disabled Worlds (no money). So in the ranking equation US Sailing or whoever does it, decides to allow you to submit all the races you go to in the Sonar Class. Well DUH…doesn't that favor the East Coasties? They have the Sonars out there. Ok, so the other two guys do all the weekend races and beer can races and they qualify higher that me cause they live in the Sonar's backyard. Yeah, I was and am a bit miffed. After all, every time I raced against JR Duggan I beat him but he qualified higher than me cause… well, you know. I've never have had the chance to race against Rick Doerr, but that will come soon. The time period for the 2001 Team is only 4 months, and they just named the team. To qualify for the 2002 Team I need to race in:
The equation for the 2002 team will be your best 2 of the 4, and the Disabled Midwinters is a must. Once again everything is East Coast based. I'm beginning to think they don't like us out West. So without any sponsorship I have been making expenses out of pocket and I can't afford it anymore. If I qualify #1 for the 2002 team, they will be giving lots of money and paying for the shipping of our boat to the 2002 Worlds in Europe along with hotel expenses (that's what I've heard). The hard part is asking for financial help. I figure if could have got ¢25 for every hit in December, that would be enough to fund me to the 2004 Paralympic games in Athens. Rumors have it the gold medallists from 2000 spent almost $150,000. But why should anyone donate money to someone they don't even know? It's tough to ask, but I'm real serious about racing at this level. I've proven I can do it, and now that I'm in the disabled arena, I'm hoping that there are some of you who can help my cause. Sponsorships, advertising, donations, anything would be very appreciated Besides
knowing about my accident, let me give you some Sailing background.
Just ask the ED and he can verify it all. Anyone
wanting to verify my ability to get the job done send email to any of
these contacts: Donations
can be sent to: If anyone knows of anyone who does marketing, I sure could use some help. I have hit nothing but brick walls when talking to potential business sponsors. We are, by the way, allowed to advertise on the boats, so there is some real quality potential advertising opportunities to those astute enough to recognize them. Any of you Anarchists that want to help out in Florida while I am out racing, drop me a line. I could use some help in bottom prep and rigging (every try wet sanding in wheelchair?). I will need a good bowman (bowwman works too!)) for the Sonar Midwinters and the NOOD as well. Anyway, that's my story, and it's as real as it gets. Thanks to all and may your New Year be a safe one. Dave
(webbdawg) Trude |
