In Memoriam
This page is dedicated to those power soccer athletes and associates who have passed away. We invite the families of the players to contact Karen Russo (exec-vicepresident [at] powersoccerusa [dot] net) if they would like to submit a memorial article for this page.
Alex Cunningham
August 2, 1996 - October 22, 2011
Alec Cunningham moved to Massachusetts from Michigan in August of 2011 and shortly after joined the Sudbury Sharp Shooters power soccer team. A young and aspiring defender, Alec was an enthusiastic and hardworking athlete from the get go. Alec came to practice each week with a radiant smile on his face ready to play and learn more about the game. It did not take long for Alec to realize how much he loved power soccer…he played outside of practice with friends, was the goalie on his school’s TOPS soccer team, and traveled to local clinics around the state just to get more time on the court. Sadly, Alec passed away on the same day that he would have made his first debut in a power soccer game.
We carry Alec’s love for the sport and his zeal for life with us each time we put on our jerseys. We dedicate our season to him.
Memorial contributions can be made to:
Michigan Miracle League (http://www.michiganmiracle.org/donate.html)
19051 San Jose Blvd., Lathrop Village, MI 48076-3323
The Cotting School (www.cotting.org)
453 Concord Ave., Lexington, MA 02421
Camp Chatter Box (www.campchatterbox.org)
PO Box 8310, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Ken Mora
May 6, 1958 to August 2, 2009
Dear Power Soccer Community,
I'm writing to you with sad news about our fellow power soccer teammate Ken. This last weekend Ken passed away after being admitted to hospital for the second time in a month and a half for complications with diabetes. I believe Ken is in a better place now as over the last few months he had been struggling and suffering from the effects of the disease.
Ken came to BORP over two years ago after he recently acquired a power wheelchair. He immediately fell in love with power soccer and never thought he would be playing sports again at his age and with his disability. Ken once told me that power soccer meant many things to him: a reason to get out of the house, socialization with amazing people, a way to contribute to the community, it reignited his passion and drive for sports, gave him the opportunity to participate in other activities, and provided him one more chance to be an athlete And all that comes with it confidence, self-esteem, teamwork, leadership, communication, focus and a physical workout.
Ken truly appreciated the power soccer and BORP communities and I know would like to thank everyone for giving him the gift of team, camaraderie, and sport one more time. So thank you, from Ken.
Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Chris Finn
Head Coach, BORP
Jake Schletwiler
August 31, 1988 to December 2, 2008
To all who knew him, Jake was a pillar of quiet strength. Never one to complain, he consistently took life's worries with a grain of salt, and always seemed to sweeten the ordinary days with a bit of quick wit. (Not to mention he always had drinking straws whenever anyone needed them…!) After a short bout in the hospital set Jake back a few days, he was released in time to enjoy a delightful Thanksgiving holiday with his mom, Malia, and some extended family. We'd like to think that perhaps it was joy that filled his heart so full that it just couldn’t take it, and he passed away on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008.
More than just a superb athlete or a great student, Jake was genuine and kind, compassionate and considerate… most certainly the type of person that we all want to be. Jake owned a kindness known to few men – and with just two decades under his belt, Jake Schleitwiler left an imprint on the hearts of countless individuals across the entire nation, and perhaps even across the globe. As he was active on the Power Soccer court, he had influence on both local athletes that he helped train and international competitors that offered training to him. Jake certainly played competitively, yet always with an encouraging spirit. He often collaborated with the Fernando Foundation staff in training events and new team launches, and his sweet smile encouraged both the staff and participants alike. Jake was an example of cheerfulness in spite of challenges, and just by knowing that about him, we will take a bit of him with us wherever we go. Be cheerful through challenges, remembering that Jake first taught us how!
“The best effect of fine persons is felt after we have left their presence.” - Emerson
Condolences can be sent to Malia Schleitwiler at 2060 Ashton Point Drive, Dacula, GA 30019. Donations in honor of Jake and in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Fernando Foundation at 3550 Corporate Way, Suite C, Duluth, GA 30096. Visit the Fernando Foundation to sign a guest book for Jake.
Peter Anderson
May 27, 1999 - June 3, 2008
More than just an award-winning star on the Power Soccer court, Peter Andersen was a star that shone brightly on everyone’s path that he crossed. Unfortunately, his heart could not handle the stress that his muscular dystrophy put on his body, and Peter passed away on Tuesday morning, June 3rd. Those of us within this loyal family of Power Soccer will remember him not only for his skill on the court and his love for the game, but for his perpetual energy and cheerful character. Peter owned a courage known to few men – and with less than a decade under his belt, Peter Andersen left an imprint on the hearts of countless individuals across the entire nation. He might chase you with his wheelchair, flash a sweet smile to swindle candy from you at a fundraising counter, or contort his hands and arms as if the circus was recruiting him to perform after his game, and all with the ease and charm that came so naturally from him. Our Peter rolled through life without as much as a worry on his shoulder, and found joy in even the smallest tattoo temporarily decorating his forehead. In honor of him, let’s look for joy – CLAIM JOY – in every situation, and find a ray of sunshine, a healthy check- up, or a temporary tattoo to smile about each day. Our Peter was an example of joy in adversity. Our Peter was a star. Our Peter will forever be extraordinary!
“The best effect of fine persons is felt after we have left their presence.” - Emerson
