Tampa wheelchair soccer team plans Aug. 7 fundraiser

There is no lack of excitement, speed and maneuvering when the Tampa Thunder take to the court for a fast-paced game of power wheelchair soccer.

The young men on the team, including team captain Benjamin Carpenter of Brandon, say the game has brought a freshness to their lives that has given them more self confidence and drive.

Oh, yeah, and there's that adrenaline rush.

"There is no A for effort in this game," Carpenter said. "It's competitive, not recreational."

The team just returned from Indianapolis where it took fourth place in the National Power Soccer Championship, making it eligible to play in the prestigious America's Champions Cup 2010 in Vancouver, British Columbia, in October.

But, to take that next step, the team needs to raise $12,000.

The first fundraising event will take place Aug. 7 at East Bay Raceway Park, 6311 Burt's Road, Tampa, off U.S. 41. Gates open at 5 p.m., and racing begins at 6:30 p.m. The team will promote itself during the races and collect donations.

The team will get the proceeds from beer and wine sales at the Third Friday Music Festival in Safety Harbor on Sept. 17. Several car washes and other events are also in the works.

The team hopes to raise the money its needs by the end of July. Team members are excited at the prospect of another major tournament.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for them to go and represent the United States," said Tari Carpenter, Benjamin's mother and the team's assistant coach.

"One thing about power soccer, it is the only sport designed for kids in power chairs. It's fast and furious and really amazing to watch."

And, she said, it gives the boys added confidence in their everyday lives.

Every team member has benefited from the group atmosphere and the team building, coach Don Gorman said. And every one, he said, has improved their performance in school.

Participants in power wheelchair soccer nationwide include persons with quadriplegia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, head trauma, stroke, spinal cord injury and other disabilities. Anyone age 5 and up, male or female, is eligible to participate, if they use a power wheelchair.

"It's fun and exciting," said Aaron Masterson, 13, after his first year of competition. He scored the winning goal for the team during a game at nationals against the Arizona Heat. His brother, David Masterson, 20, is the team's goalie. The brothers are from New Port Richey.

"It brought me out of my shell," said Danny Gorman, 19, of Safety Harbor, whose dad, coaches the team. "I hadn't played anything competitively before. It's not you always win. You work for it." Gorman and several other team members have Duchene's muscular dystrophy.

Carpenter, who is enrolled in the international baccalaureate program at King High School in Tampa, has spinal muscular atrophy. But even after back surgery to help straighten his back, Carpenter was on the sidelines for every practice, itching to get back into the game.

"He did not miss a practice," his coach said. "He was there assisting from the sidelines."

David Masterson, playing his second year, met Danny Gorman at MDA camp and got hooked playing power soccer. "I didn't' have any real direction before," he said. Now, he is planning to attend college.

Other team members are Ryan Cotonof Tampa, Chris Rhoadesof Safety Harbor and Andrew Gaiefskiof Land O' Lakes.

To donate to the team or for information, contact Tari Carpenter at (813) 661-0917.

To learn more about the game, visit www.powersoccerusa.net. To donate directly to the team, visit Tampa Thunder on Facebook and look for the link to the fundraising site.