Lacrosse In The San Diego Community: Wheelchair Lacrosse League In Mission Valley Provides Rehabilitation Activity For Men With Spinal Cord Injuries

“What’s special about (wheelchair) lacrosse is that it has opened up doors for guys who haven’t been really interested in anything (since their injury). They’re here because they love lacrosse,” said Baker, a 38-year-old paraplegic who organized the nation’s first wheelchair lacrosse league here 16

Ryan Baker of Mission Valley, the founder of Wheelchair Lacrosse (foreground) during a scrimmage at the 4S Ranch Sports Park. Photo by Howard Lipin

months ago. “It’s different. It’s new. And, it’s a blessing, because it gives them the opportunity to get involved.”

Baker was a founding member of the Sharp Healthcare Rehabilitation men’s spinal cord injury support group. He worked with the state’s Access to Independence committee to help get institutionalized disabled people into independent community settings. He also volunteers as a peer mentor for newly injured patients at Sharp Rehab.

His spirit and courage haven’t gone unnoticed. Earlier this month he was recognized at Sharp HealthCare Foundation’s 2010 Victories of Spirit awards, honoring five rehabilitation patients for their strength and conviction.

For more:   http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jun/20/lacrosse-league-is-rolling/

Washington State Lacrosse Camps: Under Armour Lacrosse “Paul Rabil” Showcase To Be Held At Mercer Island High School On June 21-24

World Men’s Lacrosse Championship: 1990 World Lacrosse Championship Was Played “Down Under” In Perth, Australia With The U.S. Defeating Canada 19-15 For Gold

The 1990 World Lacrosse Championships were held in Perth, Australia from July 6th to July 15th. Perth Superdrome entertained as the gala opening venue; Western Australia’s premier multipurpose sports entertainment and function centre used in the following year for the 1991 Swimming World Championships. The infamous Western Australia Cricket Association (WACA) ground played host to the games in 1990. This was not the first time it had been the venue for international Lacrosse as it was the scene for the very first international match between a Canadian touring team and Western Australia in 1907. It also hosted the Women’s World Cup in 1989. During this time the WACA was revered as one of the most advanced playing fields in the world, due to the use of the latest technology in turf design. It also boasted one of the world’s most efficient lighting systems. Six metre concrete towers, each with 141 lights, rose above the arena to shed powerful lighting over the playing field.The 1990 Championship were contended by Australia, USA, Canada, England and the Iroquois. Also in attendance for the first time was Japan. After the success of the friendship games conducted by Japan in 1989 they were welcomed to view the contest and play a series of exhibition games and a coaching clinic. Ultimately Canada outscored the United States 6-5 in the third quarter but the Americans were able to keep a six goal spread nevertheless. In the fourth quarter, Canada again outscored the U.S. team by 5-3 but it wasn't enough.