Point
Pleasant wheelchair athlete and curling medalist Jacqui Kapinowski is hoping
for some local support as she takes on over 350 international racers in a
Japanese competition this fall.
Ms. Kapinowski, 45, will be competing in the 28th Annual International Wheelchair Marathon on Nov. 9, in Oita, Japan, where she will be one of over 350 wheelchair racers in the largest race of its kind.
“This is the first time I am competing in this particular race,” said Ms. Kapinowski. “It is special because it is only with wheelchair racers.”
An avid athlete, Ms. Kapinowski began racing in a wheelchair when she was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome several years ago. Since then, she has competed in 21 marathons in her pushrim wheelchair along with a countless number of smaller races around the country and world.
Ms. Kapinowski
is also a member of the US Wheelchair Curling Team, which landed her a
bronze medal during the World Games in Switzerland earlier this
year.
“This is my first year doing this race because in the past I never felt ready. I’ve been training very hard though, so I felt very comfortable with the timing now,” said Ms. Kapinowski.
To help finance the trip to Japan this fall, Ms. Kapinowski is hoping local community groups or residents would be interested in becoming a sponsor for her and her two teammates for the race, Matt Davis, and Grant Berthiaume.
Ms. Kapinowski met her teammates while participating in various races around the country. Mr. Davis is from Kentucky and Mr. Berthiaume is of Arizona.
“The trip will be very costly,” said Ms. Kapinowski. “So we are looking to see if there are any organizations or people who could help us out.”
Along with heading to Japan to compete in the 26.2 mile race, she said the group will also be representing the U.S. while brining awareness to the importance of athletics for individuals with disabilities.
“We are happy to represent the USA and bring awareness to the fact that people with disabilities can be competitive professional athletes despite their challenges,” said Ms. Kapinowski.
Ms. Kapinowski said that if a business or organization would like to sponsor a part of the trip, the USA team would promote their name while in Oita.
“The team can display a company/agency logo on our racing chairs or person and provide team photos for future promotional opportunities,” she said.
Ms. Kapinowski said that some of the costs the group will incur include flights and food. Flights to Japan cost approximately $1,500, she said.
“We are really excited,” said Ms. Kapinowski of the race. “It’s going to be great competing with the other wheelchair athletes.
For more information or to make a donation, please contact Ms. Kapinowski at 732-295-1973 or by e-mail at Kappy831@aol.com.