Rhisp Visions Of Victory Gala April 18, 2009

SATURDAY'S RHISP VISIONS OF VICTORY GALA TO HONOR EXTREME ATHLETE AARON FOTHERINGHAM, FIRST EVER TO COMPLETE BACK FLIP IN WHEELCHAIR

Program’s 12th annual fundraiser benefits sports teams and clinics for people with disabilities

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – A rare few can say they’ve successfully performed a back flip. But there’s only one person who can say they’ve actually done it in a wheelchair!

Aaron Fotheringham is officially listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the first person to ever to complete a back flip in a wheelchair, and he will be the honored guest during this year’s Visions of Victory Gala on Saturday, April 18, benefiting the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana Sports Program (RHISP).

Fotheringham is a 17-year-old extreme athlete who has dubbed his sport of wheelchair skateboarding “Hardcore Sitting.” A resident of Las Vegas, he was born with spina bifida and has used a wheelchair full-time since the age of 8. Fotheringham competes in action sports events all over the country, and also spends time learning new tricks and teaching others with disabilities the skills necessary to become hardcore sitters.

“Aaron is an outstanding example of what athletes with disabilities can do,” said Gretchen Fox, RHI Sports Program board member. “We’re excited to have him be a part of an evening that’s devoted to supporting our sports teams, clinics and activities that provide our athletes with opportunities to improve their quality of life and physical fitness, not to mention stir up their competitive fire.”

Thanks to last year’s gala, the Sports Program was able to co-host the National Disabled Water Ski Championships; develop the RHI Mini-Pacers Youth Basketball Team; establish the RHI Tennis Program; and, form the RHI Golf Team. This is all in addition to RHISP’s support of 14 adaptive sports teams that travel across the globe to compete.

The 12th annual Visions of Victory Gala will be held in the Egyptian Room of the Murat Theatre in Indianapolis. Charity gaming tables will be among the entertainment options, and dinner is also included with the purchase of a ticket, which are still available by calling 317.329.2281.