Come see for yourself how people can overcome their physical disability in the name of sport. The United States Power Soccer Association (USPSA) is hosting the MK Battery Conference Cup Series at the Grand Park Fieldhouse, June 16-18. The three-day event features 30 teams from across the country. The public is invited to attend all of the tournament events and experience this highly competitive and unique sport. Admission is free.
On Friday, June 16, the event kicks off with an opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. where the Westfield Fire Department will present the colors and Westfield Mayor Andy Cook will welcome the teams and spectators to Grand Park. At 5:30 p.m. on Friday, the USPSA Mayor’s Cup game will be played. The Mayor’s Cup is a fundraiser for USPSA, hosted by Mayor Cook and includes Mayor Jim Brainard (Carmel), Mayor Scott Fadness (Fishers) and Mayor John Ditslear (Noblesville) as well as Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt. After a brief exhibition game by members of the United States national power soccer team, the Mayors and Commissioner Heirbrandt will get in competition chairs and play a game alongside local athletes from the national team.
The Team USA has won the last two power soccer World Cups, in Japan in 2007, and France in 2011, and is poised to defend its titles at the 2017 World Cup in Kissimmee, Florida in July of this year. The goal of the Mayor’s Cup event is to raise funds for athletes with disabilities and also generate awareness for the sport of power soccer.
“It is an honor for me to host the Mayor’s Cup to help further the mission of USPSA,” said Westfield Mayor Andy Cook. “I am truly inspired by these athletes who have achieved so much in spite of their physical disabilities.”
“It will great to see all these players competing for a national championship all under one roof. It speaks to the commitment and their determination to overcome barriers, such as flying into Indianapolis to attend this event, that in itself is a challenge. Power Soccer is not about people with disabilities, it’s a celebration of their abilities” Dominic Russo, President of USPSA
Power soccer is specifically designed for individuals with physical disabilities that utilize a power wheelchair in their everyday lives. The sport is played 4 against 4 on an indoor basketball court in a sport specific power wheelchair. The players dribble, spin-kick and pass a 13” soccer ball to score points on their opponent. The game is fast, compelling, skillful, and competitive. Also, in most cases, it is the only competitive team sport available for people who, because of their physical disability, use a power wheelchair for mobility.
Visit www.powersoccerusa.org for the full event schedule.