Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and the New York City Sports Commissioner Kenneth J. Podziba today announced the publication of Exercise Your Ability: The Ultimate Guide to Sports and Recreation for People with Disabilities. This is the City's first guide to offer information about organizations, throughout New York City and the nation, that provide adaptive sports programming for athletes with all types of disabilities.

"It is my great pleasure to present New York City's first resource guide to sports and recreation for people with disabilities," said Mayor Giuliani. "This book provides valuable information on the myriad of adaptive sports and recreation programs in New York City and the country. As the Sports Capital of the World, New York City is home to some of the most exciting athletic events at every level of competition. It is our commitment to ensure enhanced opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in adaptive sports."

Commissioner Kenneth Podziba said, "Exercise Your Ability was created to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in a wide range of sports in our City and around the nation. This book showcases many exciting recreational and therapeutic programs that are available, and it is our hope that this book encourages our disabled community to lead a healthier, more active lifestyle."

"This is a wonderful publication and a great resource for the community. I know many people, young and old, will benefit from the information in Exercise Your Ability," said Catherine Paradiso, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities.

Jim Abbott, former Yankee pitcher and United States Olympian who was born without the use of his right hand, said "I would like to congratulate the New York City Sports Commission for creating this valuable resource. Anyone who faces the challenges of a disability should see that there is a world full of options waiting to be discovered." Mr. Abbott wrote the book's foreword.

Exercise Your Ability contains well-researched information on over 100 organizations that assist people with disabilities to experience the wonder and joy of sports participation. The goal of this book is to encourage New Yorkers and the more than 50 million people with disabilities in the United States to join in the challenging and rewarding world of sports.

To receive a copy of Exercise Your Ability, please call the New York City Sports Commission at 212-788-8389.

www.nyc.gov