ATHLETES WITH DISABILITES HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES 2006 CLASS OF INDUCTEES
Michigan-based organization continues to be the
forerunner celebrating sports for the disabled

ROCHESTER HILLS – The ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES HALL OF FAME has announced the six individuals who will be honored on November 9 as part of the 8th annual awards ceremony.

Being inducted into the Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves as disabled athletes and are positive role models within the community are, Cliff Crase (Phoenix, Arizona) - Crase has been involved in wheelchair sports for over 30 years. His long list of accomplishments includes receiving 65 medals at both the national and international levels of competition. He now serves as publisher and editor of Paraplegia News and Sports-N-Spokes magazine and through his writing has helped to change the lives of thousands of disabled individuals; Michael (MJ) McColgan (Danville, California), is an accomplished golfer and a Global Messenger for Special Olympics. Though he was born with CP, he doesn't let his disability stand in his way; the late Walter Runchey (Garden City), - wheelchair racing, bowling, billiards, and slalom are all wheelchair sports that Runchey excelled at. He was also actively involved in the Michigan PVA, receiving several accolades from the organization; and Paul Schulte (Manchester) is well-known for his contributions as a wheelchair basketball player, as a member of the Grand Rapids Junior Pacers and as a member of the 2000 Paralympic Team in Sydney, Australia.

Attorney Richard Bernstein (Bloomfield Hills) will be presented with the Rick Knas Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contributions to Michigan's athletes with disabilities. He is dedicated to fighting for the rights of those with disabilities. Despite his blindness, Bernstein loves to run and has competed in several marathons. He also speaks at schools about the importance of physical fitness. Bernstein is actively involved in the community, as a member of several organizations.

Bay City's Jarrod Starkey will receive the Mark "Doc" Andrews Rising Star Award, which recognizes a person under the age of 25 who has competed as an athlete with a disability, been a Michigan resident for at least five years, and exemplifies determination and achievement. This 15-year old is very active in 3-track skiing and alpine skiing, being chosen to attend the prestigious International Paralympic Academy in Turin, Italy. Starkey also volunteers in the community, plays in his school marching band, and is a member of the student council.

The awards ceremony will be held Thursday, November 9 at the Marriott in Troy. Ticket information will be available in the coming months and will be available on the Hall of Fame's website,www.adhof.org.

The Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame was created in 1999 by Tony Filippis, Sr., founder of Wright & Filippis, Inc. Through the recognition of athletic excellence, the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame creates opportunities for people with disabilities to reach their full potential.

Currently in its eighth year of existence, the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame includes 54 inductees representing over 20 different sports.

NOTE TO THE MEDIA: For interviews with athletes or for more biographical information, please contact Jessica Filippis at Wright & Filippis (248/829-8225).

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