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Ted_Perry's Blog

by Ted_Perry from FOX 6 Milwaukee

Last Post 2 days, 15 hours Ago


Larry Hisle and I were teammates today. There's a phrase I never thought I'd write.

The former Brewer (and a very kind man), me, Mayor Barrett, County Executive Scott Walker, Tony Hrkac of the Admirals, Scott Dolphin of FM106 and Gregory Jon of WOKY were all invited to play wheelchair basketball with the athletes in town for the Veterans Wheel Chair Games. I think I can speak for the aforementioned guys when I say it was an honor and a humbling experience.

The athletes who are gathering in Milwaukee this weekend are all military veterans. They were also my 'teammates' for 20 minutes this afternoon.  It's funny when you think about it but the "able-bodied" guys were actually a hinderance to the wheelchair athletes. But athletes are athletes and these guys wanted to win. Which meant those of us who haven't played hoops in a chair needed a crash course in the finer points of wheelchair basketball. 

If you don't think it's not hard, go to your neighborhood basketball court, sit on a chair and shoot a few free throws. Now do it in a rolling chair. And dribble. And then have someone crash into you while you're shooting. Now, you're getting the hang of it.

Here's something I've never told anyone: my deepest fear is that I won't always be able to walk. I'm afraid that sometime while I'm out on my Harley, some drunken idiot will run a red light and leave me paralyzed.  I pray to God, I'm wrong but it's a fear.  I spent less than an hour with these men and women today but it was enough time to realize we all have a strength in us. These athletes are remarkable because a) they're veterans and b) they have the love of the game.

I hope you get a chance to watch some of the events this weekend. There's a link on our website to the schedule. All events are (Milwaukee's favorite word) free.

Make them feel welcome.

 

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Member Comments Total Comments: 4
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wiboots read my blog view my photos
Jun 19, 2007 | 10:13 PM

Some Gave All - Some Are Still Giving.

Thanks for supporting the vets and thanks for getting the word out on this event.

Katbird read my blog view my photos
Jun 19, 2007 | 11:37 PM

I'm glad you had a chance to experience this , Ted.
When I was much younger I worked with mentally and physically handicapped adults and part of our physical therapy was wheelchair basketball.
I was always amazed at how quickly many people took to shooting hoops from a moving chair. I tried it , and I played basketball in High School, and I was blown away at how difficult it really is.
I will look up the schedule and take the time to check it out.
It's wonderful to hear about this league for the Vets. They are true heros and athletes.
Thanks Ted.

prettyinpinks read my blog view my photos
Jun 20, 2007 | 7:37 AM

Drunk drivers are one of my biggest fears too, Ted. I only started driving about a month ago and just the thought of it terrifies me. I know a few people at my school (they aren't my friends or anything) who drink and stuff and I can't believe how incredibly stupid it is. Your fear isn't irrational. I just wish there were harsher punishments for drunk driving or impaired driving. Maybe then the bozos who assure their friends "it's okay, I've only had four" will think twice about getting behind a wheel

prettyinpinks read my blog view my photos
Jun 20, 2007 | 7:39 AM

PS You're right about wheelchair basketball being super hard. Shooting without the use of the muscles in your legs are hard, shooting while moving is harder, and shooting while someone's colliding with you is insanely difficult. Kudos to you for giving it a shot (no pun intended) and God bless the veterans!!

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Ted_Perry

FOX 6 Anchor/Reporter.

Member Since: 8/24/2006