Players line up for the game. Lucas, James Cabrera, Matt Castelluccio, Joe Jeremias, (behind) Brian Amundsen, Damon Rozier. Pack 55 was proud and excited to host the Jets Quad Rugby Team this past week, as the players from the Jets showed us how to "rock 'n roll" on wheels. Quad Rugby is a fast paced action sport, where the players try to get the ball across into the Goal like football, while being played on a basketball court. It's even a contact sport! The players have special chairs with extra fast wheels and grids in the front to protect their feet. After the game, the players broke out into small groups and answered all the Scout's questions about the game and living life in a wheelchair. The Scouts also got a chance to try the game themselves, as they went head-to-head with some of the regular players and learned just how talented these guys are! Pack 55 was very pleased to have Internationally recognized referree Bob Lopez come and speak with the boys and teach them the rules. Mr. Lopez was actually a referee at the Beijing ParaOlympics!

Quad Rugby, also known as Murderball in Canada, is a great sport played by Quadriplegics all over the world, with over 50 teams in the US. For the past two ParaOlympics, Quad Rugby has been played. This year the U.S. Team, comprised of the best players from around the country took the Gold Medal in Beijing! Since different players have different abilities, the rules are very specific about which combination of players can be on the field at the same time (each player gets a skill level number, and you can't have more than 8 "points" on the field at once. This helps keep the teams even. Being a Quadriplegic means that all four of your limbs are affected, but how much varies with each player. Many players have different levels of ability - some can stand, many drive special vans, most of them work. In other words, these players are just as "normal" as we are - the only difference is HOW they live their lives and get things done.

Brian, Matt (Joe J. in the back) move the ball downfield by punching, dribbling or throwing it. Each year many thousands of men, women and children become disabled due to an accident or illness. Eastern Wheelchair Athletes Foundation is the eastern region charity for wheelchair sports and helps these people and many others with disabilities to achieve their sporting dreams. For more information on wheelchair sports, go to www.EWAF.org.

Damon hitting Lucas in a crashing attempt to block! (Joe Testaverde's back —wearing white #22) Pack 55 is grateful to have the opportunity to have the Jets come and visit us and show us this exciting game. If anyone is interested in learning more about Scouting or the fun and interesting stuff that Pack 55 does, please call Susan Quigley at 516-354-3334 or Kim DeMaro at 741-4760, or via email at SquigleyCFP@aol.com. Scouting is open for boys going into 1st grade thru 5th grade next September. Dens are forming now!

Brian, Damon, Matt James with our Wolf Scouts Webelos Scouts Kevin and Tim try to get past Matt! Joe J. talks to the Scouts Brian speaks with the kids