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The Bay Cruisers proved they were worthy of their name when they flew through the National Junior Wheelchair Track and Field Championships, capturing over a dozen medals, breaking nine national records and receiving the award for the best large team in the country. 

The Championships were held on the New Brunswick, N.J., campus of Rutgers University between July 21 and July 28. 

Berkeley’s own Lamile Perry led the way breaking records in the 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1500-meter track events and one field event as well as picking up three additional gold medals. 

The team, sponsored by Berkeley-based Bay Area Outreach and Recreational Program, has competed in the wheelchair games since 1986 and has been coached by San Francisco resident Tim Orr since then.  

“The award shows how well each of our individual athletes did,” said Orr. “It shows how well rounded our team really is.” 

BORP was started in 1975 by a disabled UC Berkeley student named, Susan Sygall and her able-bodied friend Sue Belanger who fought for disabled access to the university’s physical education classes.  

Since then, the Berkeley-based non-profit has been dedicated to helping physically disabled people in the Bay Area take part in any activities that people without disabilities can.  

The program sponsors programs in tennis, basketball, kayaking, swimming, body conditioning and many more for both youth and adults. 

For more information on BORP call 849-4663 or visit their Web site at www.borp.org.