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Clerical Associate Theresa Feighery is a big winner in Wheelchair Games

It was a race to the finish that ended with Local 1549 member Theresa Feighery winning "Outstanding Adult Female" honors at the annual Burke Rehabilitation Hospital Wheelchair Games Sept 25. The competition for wheelchair-bound athletes includes track and field, a softball throw and table tennis.

Feighery, a Clerical Associate at the Dept. of Environmental Protection, first heard about the White Plains games 15 years ago and has participated every year since.

"It is a good day," she said, "You go out, see old friends, make new friends and have fun competing."

Born with spina bifida - incomplete development of the spinal cord - Feighery has been in a wheelchair her whole life. Being involved in the games has helped her stay fit and confident, and she strongly recommends that others not be afraid to join. "It seems like a tough competition, but it's for all levels," she said.

Feighery's favorite sport is table tennis. She practices playing every week with a coach she met at the Wheelchair Games.

"In the end, if I didn't win a trophy, it wouldn't matter," Feighery said. "The reward is meeting people, doing something new, and expanding your limits."