With several accolades under her belt for her sporting and competitive endeavors, borough resident Jacqui Kapinowski was recognized by the governing body during Tuesday’s council meeting for her recent bronze medal win on the 2008 US Wheelchair Curling Team.
Mayor Martin Konkus read a proclamation during the meeting, saying that the town was extremely proud of Ms. Kapinowksi’s recent win during the World Games.
“We are especially proud of Jacqui and would like to extend our pride to her and all the members of the team,” said Mayor Konkus.
As part of the 2008 U.S. Wheelchair Curling Team, Ms. Kapinowski recently travelled to Sursee, Switzerland, where she and her teammates competed in the 2008 World Wheelchair Curling Championship.
Diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome, a progressive neurological disorder, in 2001, Ms. Kapinowski depends largely on a wheelchair to move around. An experienced athlete, both before and since her medical condition required her to use a wheelchair, she has now turned a physical disadvantage into a third-place finish in an international athletic competition.
Though Ms. Kapinowski was not able to attend the meeting because of other commitments, she said that she was honored to have the mayor read a proclamation on her behalf.
“That’s fantastic. It’s really amazing,” said Ms. Kapinowski.
Upon returning from the trip in February, Ms. Kapinowski said her time at the World Games “was the greatest experience of my life.”
Ms. Kapinowski, along with her three teammates, Augusto Perez, James Pierce and James Joseph, all of New York state, faced fierce competitors in the event, testing their skills against teams from nine other countries, all vying for the top prize. Team U.S.A.’s opponents hailed from Italy, Canada, Scotland, Russia, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway and South Korea.
Along with her love of curling, Ms. Kapinowski continues to compete in marathons and races around the country in her wheelchair.