VCI Mobility attended a successful weekend of wheelchair floor hockey as a Diamond Benefactor sponsor of the US Powerhockey Championship Tournament held August 5-7 at Neumann University in Aston, PA. The tournament was hosted by the Philadelphia PowerPlay Competitive Power Wheelchair Floor Hockey Team.
Patrick Hilferty, the founder and team manager of the Philadelphia PowerPlay – as well as a VCI Mobility customer – described the event as “fantastic” despite the fact that the Powerplay did not win the tournament. (The Michigan Mustangs won the title of 2011 Champions.)
“Our team played tough against the competition, winning our only game by defeating the Carolina Fury, from Raleigh, NC, by a score of 5-1,” Patrick said.
The 2011 tournament represented the second time that the PowerPlay team participated, but it was the first time they hosted a tournament.
“Everyone involved had nothing but compliments for the Philadelphia PowerPlay and the organizing of the tournament,” Patrick said.
A lot of time and effort went into making the event a success. It could not have happened without the support of the Philadelphia PowerPlay coaches and the dedication of the Advisory Committee for finding sponsors, hosting fundraising events, and taking care of all the details needed to run such a successful tournament event.
The Philadelphia PowerPlay is a power wheelchair floor hockey team based in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The team is insured and sponsored by the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Philadelphia & Vicinity and follows the rules and regulations of the United States Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association (U.S. EWHA).
According to Patrick, the team has come a long way since their days as a leisure sport for occupational therapy at his high school to currently hosting and participating in multi-state tournaments.
The Philadelphia PowerPlay team members consist of disabled individuals from the ages of 8 to 40 years old. The participants play and practice indoors.
“We are always recruiting players, and anyone is welcome to play, no matter his or her age or disability,” Patrick explained.
Patrick also went on to say that being a part of the team gives individuals the opportunity to learn more about themselves. The team also acts as a support group for the parents of children with physical disabilities.
The Philadelphia PowerPlay is truly so much more than a wheelchair floor hockey team because it brings much joy and support to all who participate. For more information on the Philadelphia PowerPlay, please visit their website.