Inspirational Journey

Question: Have you ever made a 1,378 mile trip? Maybe by plane, sure. By car-maybe. Well how about if you made the trip by car, and if you left Friday afternoon, HAD to be done by Sunday afternoon-no matter what? That might make the journey tough. Well, that trip is being made as we speak, and for good reason.

EveryBODY Skates New Jersey is a project sponsored by USA Hockey and the Eastern Special Hockey Association designed to promote hockey as a worthwhile occupational and recreational therapy for the physically challenged. With that in mind, 11 of the area's best disabled hockey players will be making a trek this weekend to visit ALL 54 hockey rinks within the state of New Jersey.

11 players from the area are making the trip, all elite athletes. Two will represent TEAM USA at this year's Paralympic Games. Among the 11 making the trip, Retired Sgt. First Class Joseph Bowser, was injured serving our nation in Iraq. He had his right leg amputed, yet because of his love of hockey, is still able to hit the ice and compete.

The 54 hour trek ends Sunday in Newark at the Prudential Center before the Devils host the Kings. My congratulations to "EveryBODY Skates New Jersey" Co-Founder Jon Schwartz, himself a coach, and his crew. If this event gets 1 person with a disability out and about, so much the better.

So, if you're near a rink, check out www.everybodyskates.com to see the schedule for the weekend. There are 55 teams in various leagues the state of New Jersey for players to compete in. You can also learn more at
www.americanspecialhockey.org