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Saturday, November 21, 2009

Randy Snow, RIP


Randy Snow, a renown wheelchair athlete, passed away Thursday in El Salvador where he was giving tennis clinics. A paralympic athlete, Randy competed in three sports and won medals in each. He was inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame in 2004. Randy worked for the Lakeshore Foundation, teaching sports to kids and those who recently acquired disabilities. He was 50 years old.

The Lakeshore Foundation family is profoundly saddened by this loss,” said Lakeshore President Jeff Underwood. “Randy exemplified the belief that every individual, no matter what their level of ability is able to achieve greatness. As a champion of the Paralympic movement, he soared past the public's expectations. Randy was a hero, an advocate, a spokesperson and more than anything else, a beloved friend. He will be greatly missed.” via foxalabamanews.com

I last saw Randy down at a tournament in Hilton Head some years ago, although I met him a number of times. His kindnesses to so many are the memories that stand out in my mind as well as his mantra "There is no excuse!" Every time I ran into him, I was touched by how he sincerely cared about others' quality of life. He spent his time off court teaching newly disabled athletes in a gracious and generous manner and personally came over and helped them with suggestions for adjusting their wheelchairs.

His enthusiasm and love for wheelchair sports was contagious and he affected peoples' lives on an international basis, spreading that love everywhere he went.

Rest in peace, Randy.

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