[Sportsandrec] Fw: [USA-GOALBALL] In my own words

[Christella Garcia]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Joseph Hamilton 
To: USA-GOALBALL at googlegroups.com 
Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 10:34 AM
Subject: [USA-GOALBALL] In my own words


I have spent the last three days in a stunned haze.  As you all have heard, a long time supporter of our sport and disability, Sue Ponchillia, passed away

on Monday.  It is with a great amount of respect and remembrance that I count my blessings and take a second to give thanks to her, and for all of the

wonderful people I have met as a result of her involvement in my life.  Sue and Paul Ponchillia made an immediate impact on me from day one.  As a 9 year

old smart mouth sore loser who had plenty of spunk but not much direction.  They rooted for me, put up with me and gave me some second chances I probably

didn't deserve.  It is not often you can identify a couple as true soul mates, but these two were made for each other.  From their passions to their quirks,

we all have been profoundly influenced  by what they have been able to accomplish. 

 

I am now rooting for Paul.  What he has done for me individually to the sphere of influence which expands to international borders, I am lucky to have been

a pupil of his.  I feel willing to do whatever I can to support and objectify his sports goals for all who has had the pleasure to participate in the WMU

Sports Camp and beyond.   

 

The Ponchillias, aided in creating this person that some of you behold and some of you dread.:)  Like a second set of parents, I always looked forward to

chiseling away at their knowledge and hoped to be infected by their passions.  They helped me find this niche in goalball which is something I have proudly

been a part of since May of 1988 and plan on staying involved in until all of the marbles have turned to dust in my head.   

 

It is not often you get a chance to experience the things I have.  Most of it because of Sue and Paul.  They influenced what college I attended, they gave

me life in a sport when I desperately needed it.  They allowed me to expand on leadership, teamwork and communications skills that I rely on daily to enhance

my personal relationships and professional career.  I have competed in this game at every level from developmental practices to the grand stage of the

Paralympics.  And I never forgot where I received my first lessons. 

 

Sue and Paul, challenged us, encouraged us and rewarded us for the successful completion of our particular mission.  We all have the opportunity to give

thanks to them for raising the bar.  As we all morn and reflect on a life filled with achievements, warmth and a great sense of humor, I hope that my personal

contact with them makes them as proud of me as I am to have known her. 

 

Paul, thank you so much for everything.  I can only now root for you and continue to expand the knowledge and enjoyment of this sport you have hooked me

on.

 

This email was prompted by the message released by the USABA.  I don't know if you realize just how many lives have been impacted by the things they spent

their married lives accomplishing.  So here is just a sample.  Listed below are the names of people who came to Kalamazoo all of those years,  and made

it to a level of competition that very few achieve. 

 

Bryan Martin

 

Gerald Richert

 

Ed McGinnis

 

Chris Piper

 

Luke Patterson

 

Shawn Donaldson

 

Bill Frowine

 

Joe Hamilton

 

Carl Love

 

Mouad Yousef

 

Tyler Merren

 

Steven Denuyl

 

John Kusku

 

Nick Gasaway 

 

For the Women:

 

Nicole Buck

 

Sherry Gordon

 

Asya Miller

 

Lori Miller

 

Jill Redfield

 

Robin Theryoung

 

Kathy Schulz

 

Leanne Merren-Kummer 

 

There are probably a few more that tried out, received invites to training camps or played in a International goalball event.

 

It is stunning how one city and two people can bring this much success to so many. 

 

Thanks again Paul for being you.  Know we will never forget what Sue meant to you or to us. 

 

With warmest regards, In fond Memory of Sue Ponchillia. 

 

Thanks for reading. 

 

Sincerely Joe Hamilton.     

 

 

Joseph Hamilton

Program Manager,

California Access News 

Society for the blind

2750 24th st. Sacramento CA, 95818

916-732-4010

jhamilton at societyfortheblind.org

www.societyfortheblind.org

 


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