The fifth annual Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame was conducted two weeks ago at the fabulous Ritz Carleton hotel in Dearborn. Each year an amazing array of athletes have been recognized for their athletic excellence and contribution to the community.  Thanks to a group headed by Tony Filippis Sr., founder of Wright and Filippis, the Hall of Fame was established to recognize Michigan athletes that have surpassed the conventional expectations of athleticism.

The Hall goes beyond recognition of athletes.  The non-profit organization and dinner ceremony serves as a fundraiser to support educational opportunities for the disabled and to create awareness at public schools about sports for the disabled.

On average about one in ten is mentally or physically disabled. In Michigan, approximately 1.7 million people with disabilities struggle to live normal lives. The Hall fosters inclusion of athletes into activities that those without a disability enjoy.  It implores the community to stand up and demand that the needs of the disabled be part of its daily consciousness.

Each year the Hall's committee has packed the dinner ballroom with supporters. Honorary speakers have included Bo Schembechler, Gordy Howe, Ronan Tynan and Sparky Anderson. This year former MSU basketball coach Jud Heathcote blended his wisecracking sense of humor with lessons on what hard work can accomplish.

Spectacular video presentations of each inductee gave the audience a glimpse into the inspirational lives of disabled athletes.  They included:

Denver Branum, South Lyon, Called the "Golden Spokes" dazzled people on the basketball court as a key player for the Detroit Sparks. During his 27 year career he helped his team to National Championships seven times.  In addition, he represented the US National Paralympics team in swimming, track and field and basketball. From, 1965 to 1979 he won an incredible 270 medals, 200 of which were gold.

Bill Harding, Chandler, Arizona, established himself as one of the nations most prolific amputee golfers. Harding overcame the loss of his left leg in an industrial accident to win the National Championship, Canadian National and three Senior Nationals. He won 45 golf tournaments and has served as captain of the International Senior golf team.

Chet Kuskowski, White Lake,. At 18 he suffered a gunshot wound that left him paralyzed yet went on to set two world marks for water ski jumping.  His meetings with other disabled athletes encouraged him not to hold back from his love of sports.  Kuskowski is recognized as a leader in organizing water ski events for the disabled. As a former President of Michigan Adaptive Sports, he has made water skiing a reality for many disabled people.

Rick Masi, Dearborn Heights, has competed in numerous sports from wheelchair racing to soccer. He has also served as Vice President of People First and received the Distinguished Service Award from Operation Able. Masi also invented a hands-free shaving device.

Katie Mawby, Grand Haven,  lost her sight at age 15 but it didn't stop her from continuing to enjoy water skiing. Since 1995 she has set several world records in three events � slalom, trick and jump. In addition to water skiing she won two snow ski gold medals. Her dedication to the sport is rivaled by her community support. She works as a volunteer physical therapist at St. Mary's Heartside Clinic for the homeless in Grand Rapids.

Michigan Thunderbirds Wheelchair Basketball Team � Male Athletes of the Year � advanced to the National Championship game at the 55^th annual National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament. Ranked fourth nationally, they beat the top�ranked and defending champions to get to the finals. Two members Pat Anderson and Matt Scott received national honors for the play this past year.

Cheryl Angelelli, Fraser, was the first female inducted into the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame. This year received the Female Athlete of the Year after winning two silver medals at the World Championships for the disabled. At age 14 she suffered a neck injury from a swimming pool accident. Her success outside the pool has included Ms. Wheelchair Michigan, modeling, freelance journalism and motivational speaking.

David Potter, Troy, received the Rick Knas Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. His efforts in physical education for the disabled have also earned him the State of Michigan Teacher of the year award and selection as an Olympic Torch Bearer for the 2002 Winter Olympics. As a coach, one of his notable athletes, Mary Stack, represented the U.S.A. in power lifting at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics.

Sean Staniec, Sterling Heights, Rising Star Award. At 19 he has already reached some of the highest levels of achievement in the sport of Karate. He has finished in the top three at the North American Martial Arts Championships, American Grand Nationals and International World Amateur Championships.

For more information or to make a contribution to the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame contact Tony Filippis Sr. at 248 829-8211.