Working to Cure Paralysis

Racing series IPS IRL Date 2004-10-16 (Fort Worth, TX)

Former Indy Racing League IndyCar Series driver and owner of the champion's Menards Infiniti Pro Series car driven by Thiago Medeiros, Sam Schmidt isn't one to give up. Full story

Actor also had an impact in racing

The Associated Press

Actor Christopher Reeve touched the lives of at least two people in the Indy Racing League and left them saddened by his death.
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For more information:
Linda Mansfield, Restart Communications
E-mail: LindaKMansfield@cs.com
Sprint PCS: 317-201-0729


Schmidt and SSPF Nominated for New Freedom Awards

CHICAGO, July 15 - Both Infiniti Pro Series team owner Sam Schmidt and the 501(c)3 organization he founded, the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation (SSPF), have been nominated to receive prestigious New Freedom Awards.

This major awards program honors extraordinary achievements in creating new freedoms for people who have a disability.

Scott Cronk, the former team manager of Treadway-Hubbard Racing and the chairman of the board of the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, will attend the New Freedom Awards Gala in the Grand Ballroom at the Navy Pier in Chicago next Tuesday night, July 22, to represent both Schmidt and the SSPF. Over 1,000 people are expected to attend the black-tie affair.

Schmidt was nominated in two categories: Best New Freedom Individual and Best New Freedom Individual in an Inspiring Role. The SSPF was nominated in three categories: Best New Freedom Organization, Best New Freedom Research and Best New Freedom Communication Award.

A coalition of over 40 charitable organizations and leading professionals helping those with disabilities selects the nominees each year.

Schmidt was paralyzed in an Indy car crash in January 2000.

The SSPF helps individuals overcome spinal cord injuries and other debilitating illnesses by facilitating scientific research, medical treatment, rehabilitation and technological advances. The foundation raises funds to improve the quality of lives and ensure best-possible outcomes by touching individuals lives.

It annually stages a gala that has become a must-attend pre-Indy 500 party. Sponsored in part by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this year it benefited the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation and the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana Foundation in addition to the SSPF.

For more information, see www.samschmidt.org and www.newfreedomawards.com or contact the SSPF at: 411 Dorman St., Indianapolis, Ind. 46202-3647, tel.: 317-236-9999.